Chinese National Sentenced to 20 Years for Hacking Scheme Targeting BTS Member Jungkook and Prominent Figures in South Korea
A Chinese national has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in South Korea for orchestrating a hacking scheme that targeted BTS member Jungkook and other prominent figures. The Seoul Central District Court issued the sentence on August 20 to the Chinese national, known as Jeon, for offenses related to fraud and information protection violations. The case involved the theft of over 38 billion won from victims, with the court emphasizing the severity of the crime and its impact on the financial system.
Jeon's involvement in an international criminal group that operated from August 2023 to January 2025, including in Thailand, was uncovered by investigators. The group obtained personal information to access victims' mobile phones and transfer assets to their accounts. Targets included Jungkook, top business leaders, celebrities, influencers, and cryptocurrency investors. Jeon was apprehended in Thailand in May 2025 and brought to South Korea in August 2025 for indictment.
The hacking group attempted to steal Jungkook's shares in HYBE, but BigHit Music, the parent company of his agency, thwarted the theft. This incident underscores the legal challenges faced by BigHit Music in safeguarding BTS members. The agency has taken legal action against individuals for defamation, privacy violations, and malicious attacks. It has also implemented surveillance and reporting systems to address stalking incidents and privacy breaches involving BTS members.
In a separate legal victory, Jungkook and V successfully sued a YouTube channel for spreading false information about them, resulting in damages awarded by the Seoul Western District Court. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts to protect BTS members from defamation, privacy infringements, and false claims, underscoring the agency's commitment to safeguarding their rights and reputation.