Hyundai Group undertook evacuation measures for employees in two prominent offices located in Seoul after receiving a bomb threat via email, which stipulated a demand for payment in bitcoin, as reported by local authorities.
While authorities later verified that the threat was a hoax, the incident has intensified concerns regarding a recent spate of extortion threats—both cryptocurrency-related and otherwise—targeting South Korea’s leading corporate entities.
Reports indicate that a 112 emergency call was placed at approximately 11:42 a.m., in which the caller communicated details from an email sent to Hyundai. The message asserted that an explosive device would be detonated at Hyundai Group’s facility in Yeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, at 11:30 a.m.
It further stated that an additional explosive device would be transported to Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, where Hyundai Motor Group operates a significant office.
The email demanded a payment of 13 bitcoins, amounting to an estimated value of approximately $1.1 million, or roughly 16.4 billion won based on current bitcoin prices.
According to reports, the caller threatened: “If you don’t give me 13 Bitcoins, I will blow up the Hyundai Group building at 11:30 a.m. and then take a bomb to Yangjae-dong and detonate it.”
In response, Hyundai initiated the evacuation of personnel from both locations. Police dispatched special forces and bomb squads to conduct thorough searches of the buildings, sealing off portions of the surrounding areas during inspections. Ultimately, no explosive devices were located at either site.
After several hours of investigation, authorities determined that the threat lacked credible substance, and operations at the affected buildings gradually returned to normal. Police confirmed that no payments were made, and no injuries or property damage were reported.
South Korean Corporate Threats and Bitcoin Crime
This incident involving Hyundai occurred amidst a series of similar threats directed at major South Korean corporations in recent days.
On Thursday, alarming posts emerged on Kakao’s customer service bulletin board, claiming that explosives had been planted at Samsung Electronics’ headquarters in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, as well as at Kakao’s offices in Pangyo and Naver facilities. The messages included demands for significant cash payments, according to reports.
Furthermore, on December 17, a separate bomb threat was issued through KT’s online subscription application, alleging that an explosive device had been placed at KT’s office in Bundang, Seongnam.
In both cases, police responded by evacuating the premises and conducting searches; however, no explosives were ultimately found.
Authorities suspect that these incidents represent a broader trend of digital extortion attempts that exploit fear without the presence of actual devices or explosives. Ongoing investigations are focused on identifying the perpetrators and tracing the origins of these threats, according to local police.
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