36 Seoul National University students penalized for using AI on coursework
Thirty-six students in a computer science course at Seoul National University were caught using generative AI to complete assignments. The professor gave failing grades to those who denied it and zeros to those who confessed, sparking a dispute over whether the detection criteria were fair.
What happened
In a computer science course at Seoul National University with 62 students, 36 submitted assignments completed with generative AI. The course focused on network principles and required coding.
Reported impact
Students who confessed to using AI received zero points on the assignment. Students caught without confessing received a Dβ final grade, creating a disparity in penalties.
Index analysis
The students used AI to bypass the need to understand underlying code principles. The professor stated that submitting AI-generated answers without understanding reduced educational effectiveness.
Governance controls
Seoul National University's course syllabus explicitly prohibited generative AI use to develop students' original problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The university distributed an 'Seoul National University AI Guideline' in March 2026 to guide members on AI use principles, but violations continued after its release.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.