We explore the North Korean cryptocurrency theft incident, known as the largest theft in history, involving 2 trillion won.
On the 13th at 10:40 PM, Channel A's entertainment program 'Ije Mannaro Gapnida' (directed by Kim Gun-rae/written by Jang Joo-yeon, hereafter 'Ije Mannaro Gapnida') will delve into North Korea's hacking crimes.
In February, a massive hacking incident occurred where the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., 'Bybit', was hacked for a staggering 2 trillion won. The amount stolen is reported to be a historic high of 1.46 billion dollars. Particularly, Bybit and the FBI have pointed to North Korea as the mastermind behind this shocking crime, adding to the shock. Following an analysis that the targeted attack on Bybit is a typical North Korean hacking method, there are speculations that only North Korea could have spent such a long time persistently attacking. This raises curiosity about how North Korea managed to deceive the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, 'Bybit'. On this day’s broadcast, current white hat hacker Kim Han-soo will analyze the process of North Korea's theft from Bybit.
Next, we will look into the cyber warriors who fight not with swords and guns, but with keyboards, focusing on North Korea's hacker units. It is reported that North Korea spares no effort in training specialized hacking personnel on a large scale. These individuals, who are key to North Korea's asymmetric power, are said to enter the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a crucial position in North Korea, and even endure disguised employment, gaining global prominence. Even more surprising is that aspiring North Korean hackers learn not only programming but also advanced psychological warfare from their student days to break through cyber security defenses. Notably, in the international hacking competition held in 2023, North Korean university students won all top four places, achieving outstanding results. On this day, Kim Heung-gwang, a professor from the Hamhung Computer Technology University established under Kim Jong-il's directive, will make his first appearance to reveal the reality of North Korean hacker training.
Meanwhile, North Korea has seized Bitcoin, ranking third in the world, and has quickly earned the title of 'Hacker Nation'. As curiosity grows about why North Korea is nurturing hacker organizations despite being labeled a criminal state, it is reported that the reason is none other than 'earning foreign currency'. Even more shocking is that North Korea's hacking goes beyond simple cybercrime, having a meticulous purpose of funding nuclear weapons development. In fact, North Korea successfully hacked Hanul, an agency responsible for security under the South Korean National Intelligence Service, in 2015, adding to the seriousness of the situation.
The story of North Korea's hacking crimes, which committed the largest theft in history, can be confirmed on April 13 at 10:40 PM on Channel A's 'Ije Mannaro Gapnida'.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
