Han Hye-jin, left, and Jang Dong-ju / Xportsnews
From hacked YouTube channels to leaked private photos and crushing debt, a wave of cyberattacks targeting Korean celebrities is raising fresh alarm about digital security in the entertainment industry — and even inside the home.
The risks resurfaced on a recent broadcast of SBS variety show “My Little Old Boy,” where model and TV personality Han Hye-jin met white-hat hacker Park Se-joon and revealed that her YouTube channel had been hijacked last year.
Park said the incident was “definitely hacking,” explaining that attackers can take over accounts to upload illegal videos, swap content or siphon off revenue. He added that virtually any electronic device with a chip — including TVs, home cameras, CCTV systems and even cars — can be hacked.
When Han said she often props up her phone to play music or videos while showering, Park warned against the habit, saying private footage could be exposed if the device were compromised.
Han Hye-jin / Captured from SBS
Han’s channel had suddenly livestreamed cryptocurrency-related content during the attack and was deleted for platform violations before being restored three days later. She said the incident left her “completely stunned,” adding that recovering from hacking damage involves “huge stress and enormous time and effort.”
Jang Dong-ju / Xportsnews
The issue escalated further last month when actor Jang Dong-ju disclosed that his phone had been hacked, leaking personal photos, messages and contacts. He said he changed phone numbers repeatedly but could not escape the breach.
“I borrowed money by any means possible. My family even sold their home for me,” Jang said, describing financial losses of billions of won. “Debt created more debt, and unpaid debt led to more debt. My family fell into suffering, and I was left buried in it.”
After his disclosure, Jang also pushed back against speculation that the leaked material involved explicit videos. “There are countless things on my phone that must not be made public,” he said. “Do you really think the only secret someone could have is a vulgar body-cam video?”
Noh Yoo-jung / Captured from MBN
Cyberattacks have repeatedly hit Korean entertainment figures and media channels. Celebrities including Choi Daniel, Son Yeon-jae, Lee Seung-gi and Taemin have had YouTube accounts hacked, while Solar of Mamamoo, Son Ye-jin and Sunye have experienced social media impersonation or account shutdowns.
Veteran actress Noh Yoo-jung said phone hacking once drove her monthly mobile bills to 2 million to 3 million won ($1,500 to $2,300) and contributed to financial hardship. She said police told her the perpetrators were extremely difficult to track.
Security experts warn that internet-connected home devices pose growing privacy threats. Park said on tvN talk show “You Quiz on the Block” that robot vacuum cleaners, wall-pad intercoms and smart home cameras could be turned into surveillance tools if compromised.
“Devices with cameras and microphones moving around the home can become spy machines,” he said. “Use them only when necessary and block them when not in use.”
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.