Chinese hacker sentenced for BTS Jungkook theft

On August 20, 2026, the South Korea — Seoul Central District Court sentenced a Chinese national, surnamed Chun, to 20 years in prison for leading a hacking scheme that targeted BTS member Jung Kook and South Korean business executives. Chun was convicted of fraud and violating South Korea's Information Network Act for his role in a criminal ring operating overseas, including in Thailand, from August 2023 to January 2025. The group collected personal information, activated mobile phones in victims' names, and transferred assets from their accounts, stealing over 38 billion won ($27.2 million). The hacking group reportedly attempted to steal 8.4 billion won worth of Jung Kook's shares in Hybe, the parent company of his agency BigHit Music, but the agency took immediate action to prevent losses. The court noted that victims suffered losses through no fault of their own and that Chun showed no genuine remorse.