A Chinese national accused of leading an international hacking organization that stole assets worth approximately 38 billion KRW(~25 million USD), including targeting Jungkook, has been extradited to South Korea.
According to the Ministry of Justice and the Korean National Police Agency, suspect A, a 40-year-old Chinese citizen, was transferred from Bangkok to Incheon International Airport on the morning of May 13.
The cyber investigation unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to question the suspect and analyze seized evidence before requesting an arrest warrant.
Police stated, “As this case carries significant social impact, we will conduct a thorough and strict investigation.”
Authorities allege that A organized a hacking group operating overseas, including in Thailand, and between August 2023 and April 2025 illegally accessed websites belonging to budget mobile carriers and other businesses. Using stolen personal information, the group allegedly withdrew funds from victims’ financial accounts without authorization.
Victims reportedly included celebrities, wealthy individuals, legal professionals, and major corporate executives.
Jungkook was among those targeted, with approximately 8.4 billion KRW(5.6 million USD) worth of HYBE shares reportedly stolen. However, actual financial losses were prevented after HYBE quickly froze the transactions.
Previously, Seoul police arrested 18 suspects connected to the organization, including another alleged leader identified as B, who was extradited last August. B was indicted and detained in September and is currently standing trial.
South Korean authorities requested emergency provisional arrest measures from Thai officials in May of last year before formally seeking extradition in August.
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