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A hacker who stole BTS Jungkook’s identity to open accounts and sell stocks has admitted charges, with police arresting 16 suspects in the fraud case.
Jungkook confirms BTS’ first group album in four years is coming in spring 2026.
BTS star Jungkook became the victim of a shocking identity theft case earlier this year, and authorities have now made a major breakthrough in the investigation. South Korean police confirmed that the primary suspect, surnamed Jeon (34), has admitted to some of the charges while denying others.
The case began in January 2024, while Jungkook was serving in the military. His name was illegally used to open a securities account, through which the suspect allegedly sold stocks worth nearly 100 million KRW (approx. 73,000 USD) to a third party. Jungkook later recovered the lost funds through a civil lawsuit in March.
At a press briefing on August 25, a Seoul Metropolitan Police official stated, “The suspect has admitted to some charges while denying others. We will continue a thorough investigation based on the evidence we have secured.”
About the Accused
Authorities revealed that Jeon, a Chinese national, allegedly hacked domestic telecommunications platforms and other online services between August 2023 and January 2024, violating the Information and Communications Network Act. With the cooperation of Thai authorities, Jeon was extradited from Thailand to South Korea on August 22 and formally arrested on August 24.
Investigators discovered that Jeon used not only Jungkook’s identity but also those of a top chaebol chairman, a venture company CEO, and other high-profile individuals. He reportedly activated mobile phone accounts and diverted funds from financial and virtual asset accounts.
Scale of the Fraud
The confirmed financial damage linked to the scheme so far amounts to an estimated 38 billion KRW (about 27.7 million USD). In connection with the case, police have arrested 16 individuals, with two suspects currently in custody.
Authorities confirmed that Jeon will be handed over to prosecutors this week as investigations continue. Officials emphasized the importance of uncovering the full scope of financial and personal damages caused by the identity theft ring. “It is essential to verify the full extent of the damage,” a police spokesperson said.
The incident highlights growing concerns over cybersecurity breaches in South Korea, especially involving high-profile public figures like BTS members. Fans of Jungkook have expressed outrage and concern, urging stronger protections for personal data and more stringent punishments for cybercriminals.
With Jeon now facing prosecution, investigators hope the case will serve as a warning and a catalyst for stricter online security measures.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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- Location :
Seoul, South Korea
