[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] A leader of a Chinese hacking organization accused of targeting high-profile individuals—including Jungkook of BTS—has been transferred to prosecutors on multiple charges.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said on May 21 that the suspect was indicted on 18 counts, including violations of aggravated economic crime laws. Another group leader was also referred on additional charges related to SIM card cloning.

The group allegedly hacked telecom and budget carrier websites between 2022 and April 2026 to obtain personal data, then used SIM-swapping techniques to access victims’ financial accounts. Authorities estimate total targeted assets at KRW 73.4 billion, with KRW 48.4 billion successfully stolen.

Among 271 identified victims were celebrities, executives, and public officials. Jungkook reportedly had HYBE shares worth KRW 8.4 billion targeted, though losses were prevented after account suspension measures.

Police described the case as a rare and highly sophisticated cybercrime involving identity theft, SIM duplication, and financial account takeovers, adding that investigations into global accomplices are ongoing in cooperation with international agencies.

 

 

[ⓒ 알파경제. 무단전재-재배포 금지]