[Exclusive] BTS Jungkook's HYBE shares stolen through identity theft during military service

[비즈한국] It has been confirmed through BizHankook’s investigation that there was an attempt to illegally seize HYBE352820 shares worth 8.44 billion KRW held by Jungkook (real name Jeon Jung-kook), a member of the global idol group BTS. Taking advantage of his military service, the “perpetrator” transferred 33,500 shares of HYBE owned by Jungkook to a new account, and sold 500 of them to a third party.

BTS member Jungkook's HYBE shares were stolen while he was in the military. Photo=Big Hit Music

The incident occurred on January 6, 2024, while Jungkook was undergoing basic military training after his enlistment. It was discovered that the perpetrator, without Jungkook’s consent, opened three securities accounts under his name and used them to move and sell the shares without authorization.

A total of 33,500 HYBE shares were moved by the perpetrator against Jungkook’s will. The perpetrator transferred 33,000 of Jungkook’s HYBE shares (worth 8.316 billion KRW based on the closing price on January 5) to a new securities account in Jungkook's name, and sold the remaining 500 shares (worth 126 million KRW) to a third party.

In response, Jungkook filed a civil lawsuit in March 2024 against the third party who purchased the 500 shares, demanding their return. In February 2025, the Seoul Western District Court ruled, “No share transfer agreement was established, and Jungkook was merely a victim of identity theft,” adding, “The third party must return the shares to Jungkook.” The third party had claimed “good faith acquisition” (a principle protecting those who transact while believing they have legal rights), but the court did not accept it. The court pointed out, “It cannot be said that there was no gross negligence in proceeding with the transaction without verifying the identity of the account holder, simply after hearing that the shares belonged to a major shareholder.”

At the time, the third party had sent 20,000 USDT (Tether) in cryptocurrency to the perpetrator in exchange for the 500 shares. The third party appealed, but withdrew the appeal in March 2025, finalizing the verdict.

Jungkook's agency, Big Hit Music, is also aware of the situation and is responding. Building of the parent company, HYBE. Photo=Reporter Park Jung-hoon

However, the actual culprit who hacked Jungkook’s account has not been found. Considering that the perpetrator possessed all of Jungkook's financial information, including his accounts, ID, and bank passwords, the possibility of an acquaintance being involved remains. A securities firm official stated, “It appears they were aware of all of Jungkook’s financial information. There were also attempts to transfer cash, among other actions, in addition to the stocks.”

Jungkook’s agency, Big Hit Music, is also aware of the situation and is responding accordingly. Big Hit Music stated, “Upon becoming aware of the criminal activity, the company and the artist immediately took measures to prevent actual damages, such as suspending the accounts and initiating restoration to their original state. Apart from legal actions, we have also implemented measures to strengthen security for the artist’s personal and device-related information to prevent recurrence.”