For the first time in South Korea, cheating attempts using AI-powered smart glasses were encountered during TOEIC exams. Following these incidents, authorities have introduced new measures for the university entrance exam scheduled for November.
The Korea TOEIC Committee announced that the scores of two candidates were canceled in separate exams held on May 10 and May 31. The institution stated that the candidates were suspected of using AI-powered smart glasses and that the investigation was conducted afterward to avoid disturbing other candidates during the exam.
Scores canceled, two candidates banned for four years
Following the investigation, the committee confirmed the cheating attempts and declared the exam results of the two candidates invalid. Both candidates were banned from taking the test for four years.
TOEIC is known as a standard exam measuring English proficiency for non-native speakers in professional settings. The committee also reported that proctors received training to better detect AI-powered glasses.
Authorities seek measures for major exams
AI-powered smart glasses are rapidly spreading as a new generation of personal devices beyond smartphones. These devices offer features such as live visual analysis, multilingual translation, and navigation.
Some models, which look like ordinary glasses, can analyze objects or texts captured by built-in cameras and relay information through a screen or speaker. These features increase the risk of misuse during exams.
Meta, a US-based technology company, launched its AI-powered smart glasses in South Korea on May 25. Samsung Electronics, in collaboration with Google, is expected to release similar glasses by the end of the year.
The Ministry of Education is also considering steps to prevent the use of these devices in the Suneung, the university entrance exam held this year. Although electronic devices are already banned in exam centers, authorities are discussing explicitly adding AI-powered smart glasses to the list of prohibited items to avoid confusion.
This incident has brought the question of how to regulate AI-powered wearable devices in education and exam security back into focus. The measures taken by authorities will closely affect both proficiency tests like TOEIC and the country's most critical exam, Suneung.
