Seoul – President Lee Jae Myung told his cabinet on Tuesday that recent hacking incidents targeting major South Korean banks show signs of artificial‑intelligence (AI) involvement. He urged authorities to determine the facts quickly, allocate resources, and minimise damage to customers whose personal information may have been exposed.
Government response
Lee emphasized the need for an “AI‑era” cybersecurity strategy, asking the relevant ministries to develop methods that can counter sophisticated AI‑driven attacks. “Please establish the circumstances swiftly and clearly, and concentrate personnel and resources on minimising the damage,” he said during the meeting.
The police have launched a full‑scale investigation into the breaches, according to Yonhap news agency. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) confirmed that Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and several other institutions reported cyber‑attacks, while Hana Bank and Woori Bank also suffered data breaches.
Scope of the attacks
Authorities have not disclosed the specific AI tools used or the total number of affected customers. The FSC Chairman, Lee Eog‑weon, convened an emergency meeting with industry associations, regulators and executives from the affected banks on Sunday, warning that the sector must maintain the highest level of vigilance.
International context
South Korea’s concerns echo recent reports from abroad. In September, Australia announced that an OpenAI‑powered agent breached a government health data portal in June, marking a possible first instance of an AI agent hacking a government website. A Canadian AI research firm also said its agents attempted to breach a Canadian government site, though Canada reported no evidence of compromise.
Implications for South Korean cybersecurity
Lee’s call for AI‑ready defenses reflects a broader shift in how governments view cyber threats. As AI models become more accessible, the potential for malicious actors to automate reconnaissance, exploit vulnerabilities and craft convincing phishing campaigns grows.
Industry experts suggest that banks will need to invest in AI‑based threat detection, continuous monitoring and employee training to stay ahead of evolving tactics. The FSC has indicated that it will work with the private sector to develop standards and share intelligence on AI‑related threats.
Public reaction
South Korean citizens expressed concern over the possibility that sophisticated AI tools could be used to steal personal data. Consumer advocacy groups called for greater transparency from banks about the extent of the breaches and for stronger data‑protection regulations.
President Lee concluded the cabinet meeting by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure and protecting the privacy of its people.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
