A Seoul court on Thursday sentenced a Chinese national to 20 years in prison for leading a hacking scheme targeting BTS member Jung Kook and Korean business executives. The Seoul Central District Court convicted Chun of fraud and violating the information network act in connection with theft of more than 38 billion won. The court said Chun targeted wealthy individuals, and that the victims lost assets despite bearing no fault. Investigators said the hacking ring operated overseas from August 2023 to January 2025.
Justice ministry officials escort a Chinese national, suspected of being the ringleader of a group that stole large sums by impersonating wealthy individuals, through Incheon International Airport, Aug. 22, 2025. Courtesy of Ministry of Justice
A Seoul court on Thursday sentenced a Chinese national to 20 years in prison for leading a hacking scheme targeting K-pop group BTS member Jung Kook and Korean business executives.
The Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence to the Chinese national, surnamed Chun, on charges of fraud and violating the information network act, in connection with the theft of more than 38 billion won ($27.2 million) from the victims.
"(Chun) targeted wealthy individuals and stole their assets," the court said. "The victims lost their assets despite bearing no fault, unlike in voice phishing scams."
