AI attacks banks in South Korea, government investigates
October 8, 2026 · 1 min read
The president of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, ordered a thorough investigation into cyber attacks that affected various financial companies in the country, including major commercial banks, using artificial intelligence agents. The presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated yesterday, October 4, that the president was informed about recent incidents of personal information leaks and the responses adopted by financial and public institutions. According to her, Lee ordered a comprehensive investigation and the implementation of corrective measures, demonstrating full awareness of the seriousness of the situation.
Affected banks and extent of the problem
According to financial authorities and sector representatives, there have been personal information leaks at Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin, Hana, and BNK Busan Bank. Concerns are heightened as savings banks, venture capital firms, and mutual financial institutions have also been exposed to hacker threats on different fronts, according to MK's report.
The president of the Financial Services Commission, Lee Eok-won, and the president of the Financial Supervisory Service, Lee Chan-jin, are expected to hold an emergency inspection meeting at the Government Complex in Seoul. The meeting will bring together heads of all financial associations and the CEOs of the affected financial companies, according to authorities.