224 Cases of Academic Misconduct at Universities in 5 Years... All Students Using 'ChatGPT' Received F Grades

Actual Number of Academic Misconduct Cases Likely Higher
Penalties Include F Grades, Ethics Education, and Suspension

It has been reported that approximately 220 cases of academic misconduct have been detected in university exams nationwide over the past five years.

According to data submitted by Assemblywoman Kang Kyungsook of the National Innovation Party to the Ministry of Education on November 24, a total of 224 cases of academic misconduct were detected at 49 universities across the country from 2020 to November 17 of this year.

By type, the most common was sharing of questions and answers, with 65 cases. This was followed by the use of unauthorized materials or resources with 48 cases, and cheating with 41 cases. Notably, there were also 40 cases involving the use of ChatGPT or other electronic devices.

There were four cases in which the use of ChatGPT was explicitly cited as the reason for academic misconduct. These occurred at two national universities and two private universities located outside of metropolitan areas. All students involved received an F grade.

Since the statistics only include cases directly identified by university administrations, it is believed that the actual number of academic misconduct cases may be higher. Depending on the severity of the misconduct, universities imposed various penalties, including assigning an F grade, requiring ethics education or community service, probation, and either fixed-term or indefinite suspension.