Hyundai Group today evacuated employees from its two main offices in Seoul after receiving a bomb threat email demanding payment in Bitcoin, police said.
Although authorities later confirmed the threat was a hoax, the incident further heightened concerns about a recent wave of crypto- and non-crypto-related extortion attacks targeting South Korea’s largest companies.
According to local reports, a 911 call was made at around 11:42 a.m. The caller provided the details of an email he had sent to Hyundai. The message stated that an explosive would be detonated at the Hyundai Group building in Yeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, at 11:30 a.m.
He added that the second bomb will be delivered to Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, where Hyundai Motor Group’s main offices are located.
The email requested a payment of 13 Bitcoins. At the current Bitcoin price, this amount is equivalent to about $1.1 million, or about 16.4 billion won.
According to the report, the person on the phone said, “If you don’t give me 13 Bitcoins, I will blow up the Hyundai Group building at 11:30 a.m. and take a bomb to Yangjae-dong and detonate it.”
Hyundai took steps to evacuate employees from both locations. Police sent special forces and a bomb squad to search the building. Officers cordoned off part of the area while tests were carried out. No explosives were found at either site.
Hours later, authorities concluded the fraud threat had no credibility. Building operations gradually returned to normal. Police said no payments were made and no injuries or property damage were reported.
Korean corporate threats and Bitcoin crime
The Hyundai incident comes amid a spate of similar threats targeting major South Korean companies in recent days.
On Thursday, a post was posted on Kakao’s customer service bulletin board claiming that explosives had been planted at Samsung Electronics’ headquarters in Yeongdong-gu, Suwon, as well as Kakao’s Pangyo office and Naver facility. The messages reportedly included demands for large cash payments.
On December 17, another bomb threat was posted through KT’s online subscription system. The message claimed that explosives were placed at KT’s office in Bundang, Seongnam City.
Police responded by clearing the building and conducting a search. Again, no explosives were found.
Authorities believe these incidents are part of a digital extortion attempt that relies on fear rather than using actual devices or bombs. Local police said an investigation is underway to identify the individuals behind the threats and trace the origin of the messages.
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