On December 20, 2025, a serious security threat prompted the evacuation of Hyundai Group's offices in Seoul. The incident highlights the growing trend of extortion attempts against major corporations in South Korea, particularly in the cryptocurrency realm. According to the results published in the material, the caller demanded a ransom of $1 million, raising concerns about the safety of businesses in the region.
Evacuation Triggered by Ransom Threat
The evacuation was triggered by an email that threatened explosions at the Hyundai Group building in Yeonjidong and the Hyundai Motor Group tower in Yangjaedong unless a ransom of 13 Bitcoin was paid. In response to the threat, local law enforcement quickly mobilized special units to secure the area and ensure the safety of employees, who were escorted out as the buildings were thoroughly searched.
No Explosives Found
Fortunately, no explosives were discovered during the extensive searches conducted by the authorities. Hyundai Group has confirmed that they did not comply with the ransom demand, reflecting a firm stance against such criminal activities.
Broader Pattern of Extortion
This incident is part of a broader pattern of extortion targeting prominent South Korean firms, raising concerns about the security measures in place to protect businesses from similar threats.
In a related development, a recent report revealed that North Korean hackers stole over $202 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, highlighting the escalating threat of cybercrime in the region. For more details, see more.
