BTS member-hacking

▲ BTS' Jungkook is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

BTS member-hacking

BTS Jungkook's Hybe shares hacked after military enlistment

SEOUL, March 22 (Yonhap) -- Jungkook of global superstar BTS has been hacked, and his shares in his company, Hybe Co., stolen after he enlisted in the military, entertainment sources said Saturday.

The hacker opened an unauthorized account in Jungkook's name in January last year, right after he started his mandatory military service. He transferred Jungkook's 33,000 shares in Hybe to the new account and sold 500 shares to a third-party investor, according to the sources.

At that time, the total value of the stolen stocks was 8.4 billion won (US$5.7 million).

His agency, BigHit Music, a record label under Hybe, said the company took immediate action and prevented any actual losses.

"As soon as the company and the artist became aware of the criminal activity, we took measures such as suspending payments to the account and restoring the original value to prevent substantial damage," BigHit Music said in a statement.

In addition, Jungkook filed a lawsuit seeking the return of 500 shares that were transferred to a third party in 2024.

The Seoul Western District Court ruled in favor of Jungkook last month, ordering the third party to return the shares.

However, the hacker who stole Jungkook's identity has not yet been caught.

"Apart from legal measures, we have also taken steps to strengthen information security related to artists' personal and device information to prevent future incidents," Big Hit Music said.

Jungkook, who enlisted in December 2023, will be discharged in June.

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