North Korea Hacked Emails of South Korean President's Aide: Here's When and What Was Leaked

This marks the first known instance of North Korea successfully hacking into a member of the South Korean president’s (Right) team. (Reuters File Photo)

North Korea’s cyber operatives breached the personal emails of an aide to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, his office confirmed to the BBC. The hacking incident occurred ahead of President Yoon’s state visit to the United Kingdom in November last year.

The breach happened after the staff member used a personal email account for official purposes, the British broadcaster reported, citing presidential sources. A high-ranking government official revealed to the local newspaper that hackers accessed President Yoon’s trip schedule and pilfered messages sent by him. However, specifics regarding the leaked information remain undisclosed.

This marks the first known instance of North Korea successfully hacking into a member of the South Korean president’s team, the report said. The president’s office clarified that while individual email accounts were compromised, the overall security system remained intact. The breach resulted from a security lapse by an administrator who used a commercial email for official duties, the office stated.

The UK report said North Korea’s cyber activities are increasingly sophisticated, aimed at both financial gain and espionage. Subject to severe international sanctions, Pyongyang’s cyber operatives target cryptocurrencies to finance its regime and nuclear ambitions, reportedly amassing billions since 2016. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea is also believed to conduct cyber espionage to obtain state secrets, including advanced weapons technology.

The revelation of the breach prompted shock and concern within South Korea’s government circles, particularly regarding President Yoon’s security during his visit to London, where he met with British dignitaries. The South Korean government assured that the breach was detected before the president’s trip and appropriate measures were taken to address it.

Efforts are underway to bolster security measures and raise awareness among officials to mitigate future incidents, according to BBC. The report adds that North Korea’s cyber activities continue to pose significant challenges, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information.

(With agency inputs)