20-Year Sentence for Chinese Hacker Targeting BTS Star Jungkook and Wealthy South Koreans

Major Cybercrime Case Involving BTS's Jungkook

A Chinese national has received a 20-year prison sentence for orchestrating a large-scale hacking and fraud operation that specifically targeted Jungkook, a member of the globally popular group BTS, along with other wealthy individuals in South Korea. This criminal scheme is reported to have siphoned off more than 58 crore rupees, while an attempted theft of shares owned by Jungkook was successfully intercepted before any financial damage occurred. The individual, known as Chun, was part of a broader criminal organization that exploited personal data from victims to seize control of their financial resources.

The hacking operation spanned internationally, including activities in Thailand, from August 2023 to January 2025. Investigators revealed that the group utilized advanced techniques to target affluent individuals, moving beyond conventional phishing tactics. They allegedly collected personal data, activated mobile devices in the names of victims, and leveraged this information to access and transfer funds. The total amount pilfered from victims is estimated to exceed 38 billion won, which is around 58 crore rupees in Indian currency.

The court expressed serious concern regarding the case, emphasizing that the victims were innocent and suffered losses due to the criminal activities. It was noted that Chun showed no real remorse for his actions. Among the notable victims was Jungkook, whose shares in HYBE, the parent company of his agency Big Hit Music, were valued at about 8.4 billion won. Fortunately, Big Hit Music acted promptly to thwart the transfer and safeguard Jungkook's assets.

This incident highlights the escalating sophistication of cybercrime, particularly targeting affluent individuals and celebrities. Authorities suspect that the larger criminal network utilized personal information to impersonate victims and gain unauthorized access to mobile services and financial accounts. The 20-year sentence underscores the severity of the offenses committed and serves as a crucial reminder of the rising threats posed by cybercrime and identity theft in the modern digital era. Ongoing investigations into the extensive network involved in this case emphasize the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.