BTS’s Jungkook Targeted in Attempted Stock Theft
It was reported on March 22, 2025, that BTS‘s Jungkook was recently the target of an illegal attempt to seize HYBE shares, worth approximately ₩8.44 billion KRW (about $5.76 million USD). According to an investigation by Biz Korea, the perpetrator sought to take advantage of Jungkook’s military service period to unlawfully transfer and sell his stock holdings.
The incident took place on January 6, 2024, while Jungkook was undergoing basic military training following his enlistment. It was discovered that the perpetrator, without Jungkook’s consent, had illicitly opened three securities accounts under Jungkook’s name. Utilizing these accounts, they transferred and sold shares without authorization.
In total, 33,500 HYBE shares owned by Jungkook were moved without his knowledge. 33,000 shares, valued at approximately ₩8.32 billion KRW (about $5.67 million USD) based on the closing price on January 5, 2024, were transferred to a new securities account under his name, while 500 shares worth around ₩126 million KRW (about $86,000 USD) were sold to a third party.
In response, Jungkook filed a civil lawsuit in March 2024, requesting the return of the 500 shares purchased by the third party. In February 2025, the Seoul Western District Court ruled in Jungkook’s favor, stating, “There was no valid stock transfer agreement, and Jungkook is merely a victim of identity theft.” The court ordered the third party to return the shares to Jungkook.
At the time of purchase, the third party had transferred 20,000 USDT to the perpetrator as payment for the 500 shares. Although the third party initially appealed the ruling, they later withdrew their appeal in March 2025, finalizing the court’s decision.
Despite the court ruling, the true perpetrator behind the account theft remains unidentified. Given the perpetrator’s detailed knowledge of Jungkook’s financial information, including his accounts, identification, and bank passwords, there is speculation that someone close to him may have been involved. A representative from a securities firm commented, “It appears the perpetrator had access to all of Jungkook’s financial information. There were even attempts to transfer cash beyond the stocks.”
Jungkook’s agency, BigHit Music, has confirmed their awareness of the situation and their active involvement in addressing it. They announced that they have taken legal action, and have upped the ante on security protocols involving his personal information.
