From banks to lenders, suspected AI hacks expose cracks in Korea’s financial defenses

A wave of suspected AI-assisted hacks has spread from South Korea’s major banks to savings banks and lenders, with Yegaram Savings Bank disclosing the largest single breach at about 40,000 customers and Hyundai Capital reporting 146 mortgage brokers affected. Detection took hours to days — Shinhan needed 15.5 hours, Hana nearly 42, KB Kookmin almost 68 — fueling fears more breaches have yet to surface.