BTS’ Jungkook is in the spotlight again, but this time it’s about a massive stock theft scandal rather than his bops. According to Biz Hankook on March 22, 2025, the perpetrator attempted to swipe Jungkook’s HYBE shares valued at roughly KRW 8.44 billion (around USD 5.76 million). The incident occurred on January 6, 2024, while the “Standing Next To You” singer was completing his military service.
Media reported that, Jungkook was a victim of identity theft while serving in the military, a person attempted to steal 8.44 billion KRW worth of his Hybe stock, transferring 33,500 shares to another account and selling 500 of them. Authorities suspect the perpetrator was… pic.twitter.com/jElKuUwa1t
— Daily jk praise (@dailyjkpraise) March 22, 2025
Reports say the culprit opened three illegal securities accounts using Jungkook’s identity, then sold and transferred 33,500 HYBE shares. The Seoul Western District Court ruled in February 2025 that Jungkook was purely a victim of identity theft, ordering the return of 500 shares sold to a third party. These shares were apparently exchanged for 20,000 USDT, a cryptocurrency linked to the US dollar. Though the third party originally challenged the ruling, they abandoned their appeal in March 2025, solidifying Jungkook’s victory.
Jungkook's HYBE stocks were reportedly stolen through identity theft while serving in the military. The culprit is still unknown. pic.twitter.com/ej8lNdkLG3
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) March 22, 2025
Still, the mastermind remains unidentified. Word on the streets says that someone close to Jungkook gained access to sensitive financial details, enabling them to manipulate accounts and plan this robbery. BigHit Music confirmed the illicit use of cryptocurrency and pledged legal action. They also strengthened security protocols to protect the artist’s data and guard against future schemes.