Hacking ringleader sentenced to 20 years for targeting BTS' Jungkook and others

A Chinese national identified by the surname Jeon has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for leading an overseas hacking ring that stole approximately 38 billion won ($27.4 million). The Seoul Central District Court found Jeon guilty of fraud and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act.

The criminal group targeted high-net-worth individuals, including BTS member Jungkook, other celebrities, and the head of a top 30 South Korean business group. Between August 2023 and early 2025, the group illegally collected personal information to open mobile phone accounts through low-cost carriers, which they then used to access victims' bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Jeon was extradited to South Korea from Thailand to face trial. The court noted that the crime “shook not only individual victims but also the very foundations of the public financial system,” highlighting that the victims were targeted while defenseless. The judge also cited a lack of remorse from the defendant as a factor in the heavy sentence.