# South Korean banks report data leak, officials suspect AI‑assisted hacking

> Hackers may have used AI agents to breach Hana, KB Kookmin and Shinhan banks, exposing personal credit data of about 25,000 customers.

Oossa · 2026-10-06 · https://oossa.com/en/south-korean-banks-report-data-leak-officials-suspect-ai-assisted-hacking

South Korean authorities are investigating cyberattacks on three of the country’s biggest banks – Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank. The New York Times says the breach at Shinhan Bank leaked credit information for roughly 25,000 customers. Smaller leaks were reported at Kookmin Bank (99 customers and 20 employees) and Hana Bank (89 customers). President Lee Jae Myung said officials see signs that the attackers used AI models, which could let people hack without deep technical skills.

## What officials say about AI in the attacks

During a livestreamed cabinet meeting, President Lee said the use of AI “causes considerable public concern and anxiety.” He ordered the cabinet to verify how AI was used and to limit the damage. The National Office of Investigation is handling all three cases.

## The facts

- The breach at Shinhan Bank exposed credit data of about 25,000 customers.
- KB Kookmin Bank reported 99 affected customers and 20 current or former employees.
- Hana Bank reported 89 customers whose information was stolen.
- President Lee Jae Myung said AI models may let attackers hack without specialized skills.
- South Korea’s National Office of Investigation is leading the probe into the three banks.

## Why it matters

If AI tools make hacking easier, more people could launch attacks on banks and other services, putting personal data at risk. For South Korean bank customers, this could mean an increase in fraud attempts and the need to monitor credit reports more closely. It remains unclear how exactly the AI was used, so the extent of future threats is still uncertain.

## Sources & references

1. [Hackers suspected of using AI agents for cyberattacks on South Korean banks, exposing data from about 25,000 customers](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/hackers-suspected-of-using-ai-agents-for-cyberattacks-on-south-korean-banks-exposing-data-from-about-25-000-customers-officials-believe-ai-models-enable-actors-to-hack-with-ease-even-without-specialized-skills) – Tom's Hardware, 2026-10-06

Last updated: 2026-10-06