Chinese alleged hacking ringleader extradited to South Korea

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SEOUL: A 40-year-old Chinese national, alleged to be the leader of an international cybercrime ring, was extradited from Thailand to South Korea on Wednesday. The suspect is accused of orchestrating a massive hacking scheme that resulted in the theft of more than $25 million from various victims.

According to Seoul's justice ministry, the suspect led an overseas organization that infiltrated the websites of budget mobile carriers and other firms between August 2023 and April 2025. 

The group used illegally obtained personal data to gain unauthorized access to victims' financial and cryptocurrency accounts, withdrawing large sums of money.

The hacking operation reportedly targeted high-profile individuals, including conglomerate chairmen, startup executives, and celebrities. Among the victims was BTS star Jungkook, who reportedly had his securities account identity stolen.

 While shares in his agency, HYBE, worth 8.4 billion won ($5.6 million) were taken, immediate payment suspension measures prevented any actual financial loss.

The suspect’s arrival at Incheon airport followed an Interpol-led operation in Bangkok and was coordinated with Seoul's National Police Agency. This extradition is part of a broader investigation that involved South Korean prosecutors and investigators traveling to Thailand in July 2025 to collaborate with local authorities.

Other members of the organization have already faced legal action, including a 36-year-old Chinese accomplice who was extradited in August 2025. That individual was indicted the following month, and his trial is currently ongoing in South Korea.