Ransomware Research
Korean Ransomware
Korean is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Korean Talk.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Korean
- First Seen
- August 1, 2016
- Known Aliases
- Korean Talk
How Korean Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Korean modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..암호화됨Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Korean displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
ReadMe.txtRansom message:
notes/ReadMe.txt
Note locations:
DesktopRansom message:
notes/note.txt
Note locations:
OnceOnCompletionTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Korean ransomware:
KakaoTalk.exekorean.exe
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About This Analysis
This Korean ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Korean.
Last updated: July 30, 2025