21 August,2026 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jungkook (Picture via Instagram)
A Chinese national has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Seoul court for leading a hacking and fraud scheme that targeted BTS member Jungkook and wealthy South Korean business figures. The Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence on Thursday, August 20, finding the man, identified by his surname Chun, guilty of fraud and violating South Korea's information network laws.
According to the court, Chun was involved in a criminal operation that collected victims' personal information, activated mobile phones in their names and used the information to transfer assets from their accounts. The hacking ring reportedly operated overseas, including in Thailand, between August 2023 and January 2025.
The investigation found that the group targeted affluent individuals, with the total amount stolen from victims exceeding 38 billion won (approximately 58 crore). The court reportedly noted that the victims had done nothing wrong and lost their assets as a result of the scheme. It also observed that Chun had not demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions.
Among those targeted was BTS' Jungkook. Sources cited in the report said the hacking group attempted to steal shares worth approximately 8.4 billion won belonging to the singer in HYBE, the parent company of his agency, BigHit Music. However, the attempted theft was prevented after BigHit Music took immediate action, ensuring that Jungkook did not suffer the reported financial loss.
The case highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods used by cybercrime groups to gain access to personal and financial information. Rather than relying solely on conventional phishing tactics, the group allegedly obtained personal details and used them to impersonate victims, gain control of mobile phone services and access financial assets.
The Seoul court's decision comes as South Korean authorities continue to step up efforts against financial and cyber fraud. The country has been dealing with increasingly sophisticated scams that exploit personal information and digital financial systems.
While Jungkook was among the high-profile individuals targeted, the investigation also identified a business tycoon from a major conglomerate as another victim. Authorities have continued investigating the wider criminal network involved in the operation. He has witnessed multiple trespassing cases recently.
The 20-year sentence reflects the seriousness with which the court viewed the large-scale financial losses and the deliberate targeting of wealthy individuals. The case also underscores the importance of cybersecurity measures for celebrities and other high-profile figures whose financial and personal information can make them attractive targets for organised cybercrime.
