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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] A series of bomb threats targeting major South Korean companies — including Kakao, Naver, KT, and Samsung Electronics — has raised concerns over corporate losses and the waste of public security resources.
According to police, reports suggesting explosive devices had been planted at major corporate facilities were filed in rapid succession, prompting large-scale searches and emergency responses.
On Wednesday morning at around 8:50 a.m., police received a report claiming explosives had been installed at Kakao’s headquarters in Jeju. No suspicious items were found following a search. As a precaution, Kakao evacuated approximately 110 employees and shifted to remote work.
Similar bomb threats targeting Kakao’s Pangyo offices were reported on December 15 and 17, but all were later confirmed to be false.
Later that morning, at around 11:29 a.m., police received a report stating that Samsung Electronics’ Suwon headquarters would be bombed and that Chairman Lee Jae-yong would be assassinated. Police inspected key areas, including CCTV-monitored zones, and determined the threat level to be low, opting instead to reinforce patrols.
Naver’s headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, was also targeted by a bomb threat. Police conducted an on-site search but found no explosives. Naver advised all employees to work remotely to ensure safety.
KT’s Bundang office complex was similarly named in a threat claiming that dozens of improvised explosive devices had been planted. Police searched the premises but found no suspicious items.
While all threats have so far been determined to be hoaxes, the incidents have caused significant disruption. Companies were forced to evacuate staff or switch to remote operations, resulting in financial losses, while police resources were heavily mobilized.
Authorities noted that in a past bomb threat case involving Shinsegae Department Store, police billed approximately 12.56 million won in costs for manpower and equipment. Police said they plan to seek damages from the perpetrators once identified in the current cases.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
