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Chinese hacker leader sentenced to 20 years for targeting BTS's Jungkook and wealthy Koreans
A Chinese national has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for leading an international hacking syndicate that targeted wealthy South Koreans, including BTS member Jungkook and various corporate chairmen.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled that the group, which operated out of Thailand, hacked over 20 websites to steal personal information. They used this data to illegally open mobile phone accounts, allowing them to intercept authentication codes and access bank accounts, stock trading platforms, and cryptocurrency exchanges.
Jungkook was a specific target during his military service; the group attempted to seize approximately 8.4 billion won worth of HYBE shares. However, his agency intervened, and no actual financial loss occurred for the singer.
The court noted that the crime targeted 258 individuals, specifically looking for those in vulnerable positions such as military service or incarceration. While 16 victims suffered direct losses totaling roughly 39 billion won, the total scale of the criminal activity, including intercepted transfers, is estimated to reach 64 billion won. The court described the incident as a major crime that threatens the foundation of the national financial system.
Entities
BTS · HYBE · Interpol · Jungkook · Seoul Central District Court
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The group used stolen personal information to illegally open budget phone accounts to bypass authentication. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.chosunonline.com · www.rbbtoday.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The organization targeted individuals who were currently serving in the military or were incarcerated. www.chosunonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The hacking group targeted 258 individuals, including corporate chairmen and celebrities. www.chosunonline.com · www.rbbtoday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] BTS member Jungkook was a target, with an attempt to steal approximately 8.4 billion won in HYBE shares. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.rbbtoday.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The total scale of the crime, including blocked transfers, is estimated at 64 billion won. www.chosunonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A Chinese national was sentenced to 20 years in prison for leading a hacking organization. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.chosunonline.com · www.rbbtoday.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The mastermind was arrested in Thailand in coordination with Interpol. biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The actual financial damage to 16 victims totaled approximately 39 billion won. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.chosunonline.com