Hyundai Group evacuated employees from two major offices in Seoul today after receiving a bomb threat email demanding payment in bitcoin, police said.
Authorities later confirmed the threat was a hoax, but the incident added to growing concerns over a recent wave of extortion, crypto and non-crypto-related threats targeting South Korea’s biggest companies.
According to local reports, a 112 emergency call was received approx. The announcement said an explosive device would be detonated at Hyundai Group’s building in Yeonji-dong, Jongno-gu at 10 p.m. 11:30 am.
It added that another bomb would be taken to Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, where Hyundai Motor Group has a major office.
The email demanded payment of 13 bitcoins. At current bitcoin prices, the amount is valued at about $1.1 million, or about 16.4 billion won.
According to reports, the caller said, “If you don’t give me 13 Bitcoins, I will blow up the Hyundai Group building at 11:30, then take a bomb to Yangjae-dong and detonate it.”
Hyundai moved to evacuate personnel from both locations. Police deployed special forces and bomb squads to search the buildings. Officers cordoned off parts of the surrounding areas while inspections were carried out. No explosive devices were found at either location.
After several hours, authorities concluded that the scam threat lacked credibility. Operations at the buildings gradually returned to normal. Police said no payment was made and no injuries or damage to property were reported.
South Korean corporate threats and bitcoin crime
The Hyundai incident comes amid a series of similar threats aimed at major South Korean companies in recent days.
On Thursday, posts appeared on Kakao’s customer service message board claiming that explosives had been planted at Samsung Electronics’ headquarters in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, as well as at Kakao’s Pangyo offices and Naver facilities. These messages also contained demands for large cash payments, per reports.
On December 17, another bomb threat was sent through KT’s online subscription application system. The message claimed that an explosive device had been installed at KT’s office in Bundang, Seongnam.
Police responded by clearing the building and conducting a search. No explosives were found in that case either.
Authorities believe the incidents are part of a pattern of digital extortion attempts that rely on fear rather than using real devices or bombs. Investigations are underway to identify the people behind the threats and trace the origin of the messages, according to local police.