Hacker Steals 8.4 Billion Won in Shares from BTS’s Jungkook

In a shocking turn of events, an unidentified hacker managed to steal 8.4 billion won (around $5.7 million) worth of HYBE shares that belonged to BTS’s Jungkook. The shares were eventually returned to the singer after a court order, according to Jungkook’s agency, BigHit Music.

The hacker first set up an unauthorized stock account under Jungkook’s name back in January 2024, shortly after the BTS member began his mandatory military service. The hack involved transferring 33,000 shares of HYBE, the company behind BTS, into this fraudulent account. The hacker then sold 500 of those shares to a third party.

At the time of the hack, HYBE shares were valued around 250,000 won each. BigHit Music wasted no time in trying to resolve the issue, requesting that the payment to the fraudulent account be stopped and the shares returned to Jungkook. The singer also filed a lawsuit in March 2024 against the third-party buyer, demanding that they return the stolen shares.

Fortunately, the Seoul Western District Court sided with Jungkook, and the 500 shares were returned to his account. However, the hacker remains on the loose. It’s suspected that someone with knowledge of Jungkook’s personal information, like his account number or identification details, might be involved in the crime.

BigHit Music has since beefed up its security measures to protect the personal devices and information of their artists, in addition to taking legal action.

Jungkook, who began his military service on December 12, 2023, is expected to be discharged on June 11, 2025.