BTS’ Jungkook was reportedly among the targets of a massive cybercrime operation involving identity theft and financial fraud attempts worth hundreds of billions of won.
Korean authorities reportedly confirmed on May 13 that the alleged leader of an international hacking organization, identified only as A, was extradited from Thailand to South Korea on May 12 following a joint investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency.
Investigators revealed that the suspect, a Chinese national in his 40s, ran a hacking ring based in Bangkok. Between August 2023 and April 2024, the group allegedly hacked into six government and public institution websites to steal victims’ personal information.
Using the stolen data, the hackers allegedly opened illegal mobile phone accounts under the victims’ names and bypassed identity verification systems to gain access to financial accounts and cryptocurrency platforms.
Authorities estimate the total attempted damage at about 38 billion won (about $27 million).
Among the most shocking revelations was that Jungkook became a direct target shortly after he began his military service. The group allegedly attempted to illegally transfer about 8.4 billion won (about $6.1 million) of HYBE shares from accounts registered under the idol’s name.
Fortunately, financial institutions quickly identified suspicious activity and froze transactions before actual financial losses occurred.
Investigators also said several wealthy South Korean corporate figures, including conglomerate executives, were targeted by the hacking network using similar methods.
South Korean authorities continue to investigate the organization’s financial networks and identify additional accomplices linked to the operation.
Sources: Daum | Sports Chosun
