Bithumb, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, reported an unauthorized breach of its internal mobile groupware system. The incident resulted in the exposure of customer personal data. The company is currently investigating the full extent of the compromise.
The breach occurred alongside similar security incidents at two other South Korean financial firms, Daishin Securities and Mirae Asset Global Investments. Daishin Securities confirmed that the personal information of 38,490 customers was leaked, including names, emails, and phone numbers.
These events follow a broader trend of cyberattacks in the region. The Financial Services Commission noted that 16 South Korean financial institutions recently experienced data leaks affecting approximately 100,000 individuals. Authorities are currently investigating the incidents.
Bithumb has faced several operational challenges in 2026. In February, the exchange accidentally credited 620,000 BTC to 695 users due to a system error, though it recovered 99.7% of the funds. Additionally, the firm was fined ₩36.8 billion by the Financial Intelligence Unit in March.
Despite these setbacks, Bithumb maintains plans to pursue a stock market listing in 2028. Meanwhile, the company's CEO, Lee Jae-won, is currently under investigation regarding allegations of bribery related to the hiring of a politician's son.
