SOUTH Korea’s president, Lee Jae Myung, has ordered a thorough investigation into a spate of data breaches affecting financial institutions, amid growing concern over AI-powered cyberattacks targeting the sector. The briefing to Cheong Wa Dae highlighted incidents at both financial and public bodies and the responses deployed so far, with the president directing officials to “conduct a thorough investigation and make every effort to devise measures,” according to the presidential spokesperson, Kang Yu-jung.
In the latest wave of incidents, Shinhan Bank disclosed a breach affecting around 25,000 customers on the preceding Thursday, followed by reported breaches at KB Kookmin Bank, Hana Bank and BNK Busan Bank on the Friday. The coverage emphasises the emerging role of AI-enabled methods in these compromises and signals an elevated state of vigilance from government and industry as investigators work to determine scope, root causes and appropriate mitigations.
The report notes that the government is treating the matter as serious and is pushing for a coordinated response, with further details to be reported by The Korea Times.