Mastermind of $29 million hacking ring extradited from Thailand, BTS' Jungkook among victims

An alleged ringleader of a hacking ring is extradited from Bangkok to Incheon International Airport on Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Justice

A Chinese national accused of leading a hacking organization that stole more than 38 billion won ($29 million) from Korean victims, including BTS member Jungkook, has been extradited from Thailand after an international investigation.

The Ministry of Justice said the 34-year-old suspect was flown into Incheon International Airport from Bangkok at 5:05 a.m. on Friday.

According to authorities, the suspect formed a hacking ring overseas and between August 2023 and January 2024 infiltrated the websites of domestic telecom companies to illegally obtain personal data.

Using the stolen information, the group opened mobile phone accounts under victims’ names and gained access to their financial and cryptocurrency accounts, siphoning off assets worth more than 38 billion won.

Victims reportedly included high-profile figures such as BTS member Jungkook, a major conglomerate chairman and several business leaders.

The Justice Ministry tracked the suspect's movements with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Interpol, confirming that he had entered Thailand in April. Working through the Southeast Asia Justice Network and Interpol, the ministry filed an emergency extradition request with Thai authorities, who detained him before handing him over to Korea.

“We will request an arrest warrant after questioning the suspect and analyzing confiscated materials. Given the significant social impact of this case, we will conduct a thorough investigation," the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s cybercrime unit said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.