Interview Coder, accessible at interviewcoder.co, has emerged as a controversial yet innovative tool in the tech world, designed to assist candidates in navigating the challenging landscape of coding interviews. Launched by Chungin “Roy” Lee, a 21-year-old Columbia University student, this AI-powered application promises real-time coding assistance, particularly for LeetCode-style technical interviews. Since its debut, it has sparked debates about ethics, technology, and the future of hiring in the tech industry, drawing attention from major companies and the public alike.
The Rise of Chungin “Roy” Lee
Chungin “Roy” Lee, the mastermind behind Interview Coder, turned his frustration with traditional coding interviews into a groundbreaking venture. A computer science student, Lee identified the disconnect between LeetCode problems—often seen as overly complex and unrelated to real-world coding—and the skills tech companies value. In early 2025, he developed Interview Coder, an invisible desktop application that provides step-by-step solutions and explanations during interviews. His bold marketing, featuring phrases like “F*ck LeetCode” and uncut videos of him securing an Amazon offer, went viral, amassing millions of impressions and $20,000 in revenue within 24 hours of launch.
How Interview Coder Works
Interview Coder operates as a discreet AI assistant, designed to remain undetectable by common interview monitoring tools. Users capture problem screenshots with hotkeys (e.g., ⌘ + H) and receive optimized solutions with detailed comments, all while keeping their cursor focused on the interview tab. The tool leverages advanced AI models, including OpenAI’s o3-mini-high, to solve problems in real-time. Its stealth features—such as content protection and transparent window overlays—allow candidates to maintain natural eye contact and avoid detection during screen shares on platforms like Zoom or HackerRank. Lee claims it works across multiple interview environments, making it a versatile ally for nervous coders.
Lee’s Interview-Cracking Journey
Lee’s journey to crack tech interviews began with personal experimentation. In a widely viewed YouTube video, he documented using Interview Coder to secure an Amazon internship offer, showcasing the tool’s effectiveness during both online assessments and final rounds. His success extended to offers from Meta, TikTok, and Capital One, which he leveraged to prove his concept. Lee’s strategy involved toggling the tool’s visibility with ⌘ + B, overlaying solutions on his code editor, and articulating AI-generated reasoning to interviewers. This approach, he argues, exposes the flaws in LeetCode-based hiring, prompting companies to reconsider their processes.
Controversy and Backlash
The tool’s rise hasn’t been without controversy. Lee’s LinkedIn profile was banned after listing multiple internships, and Amazon reportedly sent a complaint to Columbia University. Critics, including some X users, label it as cheating, arguing it undermines skill assessment and could push companies toward in-person interviews, potentially harming remote workers. Others, like senior developers on X, applaud Lee for highlighting LeetCode’s disconnect from real-world skills. Despite mixed reactions, Lee maintains Interview Coder is a critique of broken interview systems, not a shortcut, and has faced no detection in his tests across platforms like CoderPad and CodeSignal.
The Future of Interview Coder
With $1 million in projected revenue by May 2025, Lee plans to relocate to San Francisco to expand his startup. However, as tech giants like Google consider in-person interviews to counter AI tools, Interview Coder’s longevity may hinge on evolving detection methods. Lee’s open-source code on GitHub invites community contributions, but the paid backend (at $60/month) remains a revenue driver. The tool’s success has fueled discussions on reforming technical interviews, with some companies exploring pair-programming assessments over algorithmic puzzles.
Conclusion
Interview Coder and Chungin “Roy” Lee have shaken the tech hiring landscape, offering a bold solution to a widely criticized process. By cracking interviews at top firms, Lee has proven the tool’s potential while igniting a debate on ethics and innovation. As the industry grapples with AI’s role in hiring, Interview Coder stands as both a challenge and a catalyst for change, urging companies to align assessments with actual job demands. Whether it thrives or fades, its impact on how we view coding interviews will linger.
Key Features of Interview Coder
| Feature | Description |
| Undetectability | Invisible to screen sharing and browser monitoring. |
| Hotkey Commands | ⌘ + H for screenshots, ⌘ + ↵ for solutions. |
| AI Models | Uses o3-mini-high for one-shot problem solving. |
| Solution Support | Step-by-step explanations and code comments. |
| Compatibility | Works on Zoom, HackerRank, CoderPad, and more. |
