Jungkook of BTS was reportedly among the targets of a massive cybercrime operation involving identity theft and attempted financial fraud worth hundreds of billions of won.
According to reports on May 13, Korean authorities confirmed 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, operated a hacking ring based in Bangkok. Between August 2023 and April 2024, the group allegedly hacked six government and public institution websites to steal personal information from victims.
Using the stolen data, the hackers reportedly opened illegal mobile phone accounts under victims’ names and bypassed identity verification systems to gain access to financial accounts and cryptocurrency platforms.
Authorities estimate the total attempted damages at approximately 38 billion won (around $27 million USD).
Among the most shocking revelations was that Jungkook became a direct target shortly after beginning his military service. The group allegedly attempted to illegally transfer approximately 8.4 billion won (around $6.1 million USD) worth of HYBE shares from accounts registered under the idol’s name.
Fortunately, financial institutions quickly detected suspicious activity and froze the transactions before any actual financial losses occurred.
Investigators also stated that several wealthy South Korean business figures, including conglomerate executives, were targeted by the hacking ring using similar methods.
South Korean authorities are continuing to investigate the organization’s financial networks and identify additional accomplices connected to the operation.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠조선