US general says databases on South Korean employees hacked, apologizes for possible theft

SEOUL, South Korea – The top U.S. military official in South Korea says a hacking incident might have compromised the personal information of thousands of South Koreans employed by the American command.

Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander of U.S. Forces in South Korea, apologized Thursday for the “possible theft” from two databases of private details of South Koreans such as names, contact information and work history.

The U.S. military said no classified military data was compromised.

South Korea has been a frequent target of cyberattacks. Some have been blamed on North Korea, which denies any involvement.

U.S. Forces spokesman Christopher Bush said an investigation was underway to determine who was responsible.

The U.S. has around 28,500 soldiers in South Korea as a deterrent against the North.