South Korea’s new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency will not take over the investigation into a series of cyberattacks targeting major banks, leaving the National Police Agency’s investigative bureau in charge. The agency said police had already formed a 43-member team, analyzed logs, traced internet addresses and begun cooperation with overseas authorities before the new agency opened. Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and Hana Bank disclosed on October 1 that customer personal information had been exposed, while investigators found similar attack methods and indications that a Chinese AI tool called Artex was used.
The decision settles this case with police for now, but possible future transfer demands by the new agency could again create disputes over records and delays.