DistantNews
Oh My Girl's Mimi Reveals Personal Data Breach, Received Fraudulent Messages

Oh My Girl's Mimi Reveals Personal Data Breach, Received Fraudulent Messages

From Dong-A Ilbo · (1d ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Oh My Girl member Mimi revealed she experienced personal information theft, including fraudulent messages about card delinquency.
  • She shared her experience on the web show 'Salon Drip,' detailing how she received messages referring to her as 'Kim Soon-im' and inquiring about card payments.
  • Mimi, who previously distrusted AI and internet functions, learned that such information breaches can happen despite taking precautions.

In a candid revelation on the web show 'Salon Drip,' Oh My Girl's Mimi shared a distressing personal experience with data theft. The K-pop idol recounted receiving unsettling messages about card delinquencies, which bizarrely addressed her as 'Kim Soon-im.' This incident, while alarming, also served as a stark reminder that even with precautions like disabling search functions and frequently clearing browsing history, personal information can still be compromised.

I turn off the search bar completely. I clear my search history frequently, and I absolutely block features like voice support.

— MimiMimi explains her precautions against data breaches on the web show 'Salon Drip'.

Mimi's story highlights a growing concern among individuals, particularly public figures, about the vulnerability of their personal data in the digital age. The bizarre nature of the messages, referencing a name she doesn't use, underscores the sophisticated and sometimes perplexing methods employed by fraudsters. Her initial curiosity led her to search the name 'Kim Soon-im' online, only to discover it was a known voice phishing tactic, adding a layer of bitter irony to her ordeal.

Even if you do that, it still gets stolen.

— MimiMimi responds to a question about why she takes such precautions, revealing she has been a victim of data theft.

Interestingly, Mimi also touched upon her evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. Previously skeptical, she admitted that conversations with figures like Kwak Chang-seop (known as Gwedo) and even witnessing a robot making Vietnamese pho at a family restaurant have made her reconsider her stance. While she still found the robot's service slow, her willingness to acknowledge AI's capabilities, despite her personal data scare, shows a nuanced perspective on technology's role in everyday life. This blend of personal vulnerability and technological curiosity offers a unique glimpse into the life of a modern celebrity navigating the complexities of the digital world.

For several months, my card was overdue, and I kept receiving KakaoTalk messages calling me 'Kim Soon-im'.

— MimiMimi describes the specific messages she received after her personal information was compromised.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.