BTS Jungkook Hacking Case: Jungkook Targeted in ₩38 Billion Cyber Theft as Chinese Ringleader Arrested
Ringleader Arrested After Extradition
A Chinese national has been arrested in South Korea after being extradited from Thailand on charges of leading a hacking group that stole more than ₩38 billion (approx. $28 million) from BTS’s Jungkook and other wealthy South Koreans.
On August 24, Judge Cho Young-min of the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Jeon (34), following a pretrial detention hearing on charges of violating the Information and Communications Network Act. The court cited concerns about potential evidence destruction and flight risk.
Large-Scale Hacking Scheme
According to police, Jeon organized a hacking crime syndicate overseas, including in Thailand. Between August 2023 and January 2024, the group infiltrated telecom company websites, illegally collected personal data, and opened mobile accounts under victims’ names. They then used these accounts to withdraw funds from bank and cryptocurrency accounts without authorization.
Confirmed victims include BTS’s Jungkook, top chaebol executives ranked among Korea’s 30 largest conglomerates, and several venture company CEOs. Police found that Jeon fraudulently registered budget phones under their names before siphoning off assets.
Tracked and Extradited from Thailand
Korea’s Ministry of Justice, working with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Interpol, tracked Jeon’s movements. In April, intelligence revealed his entry into Thailand, prompting an extradition request. On August 22 at 5:05 a.m., Jeon was extradited from Bangkok to Incheon International Airport.
Arriving for his detention hearing, Jeon remained silent and declined to answer reporters’ questions before entering the courthouse.
Investigation Continues
A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated on August 25: “The suspect has admitted to some charges, while denying others. We will pursue a strict investigation based on the evidence obtained so far.”
Police had previously arrested 16 members of the hacking group and plan to transfer Jeon to prosecutors this week. Officials also confirmed that victim interviews are ongoing to verify the total scale of damages.
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