[instiz] BTS JUNGKOOK HAD THIS HYBE STOCKS STOLEN THROUGH IDENTITY THEFT WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMY

According to Biz Hankook, there was an attempt to illegally seize HYBE stocks worth approximately 8.44 billion KRW (~ 5.7 million USD) owned by BTS member Jungkook.

The perpetrator took advantage of Jungkook;s military service, transferring 33,500 shares of HYBE stock to a new account and selling 500 of them to a third party. The incident occurred on January 6, 2024, while Jungkook was undergoing basic military training after enlisting. The perpetrator allegedly opened three unauthorized securities accounts under Jungkook;s name, using them to transfer and sell stocks without his consent.

In total, 33,500 shares of HYBE stock were moved without Jungkook’s knowledge. The perpetrator transferred 33,000 shares (valued at 8.316 billion KRW based on the closing price on January 5) to a new securities account under Jungkook’s name and sold 500 shares (worth approximately 126 million KRW) to a third party.

In March 2024, Jungkook filed a civil lawsuit against the third party who purchased the 500 shares, demanding their return. In February 2025, the Seoul Western District Court ruled that “there was no valid stock transfer contract, and Jungkook was clearly a victim of identity theft,” ordering the third party to return the stocks. The third party argued that they had acquired the shares in good faith (a legal principle protecting buyers who unknowingly purchase stolen goods), but the court rejected this claim. The court ruled that the third party had been negligent for proceeding with the transaction without verifying the stockholder;s identity, despite being told the shares belonged to a major shareholder.

At the time, the third party had sent 20,000 USDT (Tether, a cryptocurrency) in advance to purchase the 500 shares. They initially appealed the ruling but withdrew their appeal in March 2025, making the decision final. However, the real perpetrator who hijacked Jungkook’s accounts has yet to be identified. Given that the perpetrator had access to Jungkook’s financial accounts, ID, and banking passwords, there is speculation that someone close to him may have been involved. A securities company official commented, “It appears that the perpetrator had full knowledge of Jungkook’s financial information. There were also attempts to transfer cash, not just stocks.”

Jungkook’s agency, BigHit Music, is aware of the situation and is taking action. They stated, “As soon as the company and the artist became aware of this crime, we took immediate measures, including freezing the affected accounts and restoring the original ownership to prevent further damage. In addition to legal action, we have also strengthened security measures related to the artist’s personal and device information to prevent recurrence.”

1. ???????????? Seriously, this is crazy… They didn’t only have his bank account and password but also his IDs? Seriously crazy

2. Huh?????!!!!!

3. What is happening again….

4. This is seriously insane

5. I do feel like it was done by an acquaintance 

6. 8 billion??????

7. If they knew all of his information, they must’ve been really close to him

8. Seriously, if I was Bangtan, I would hate humans

9. Can people leave Jungkook alone? Seriously… And how is it possible that they still haven’t found the criminal?

10. No but what is this?? How can they not be able to find the criminal? If that’s someone close to him, that person might still be around him no?