South Koreas DongHang Lottery sees 36 winners in once-in-745-year event
In an event that has left many stunned, a South Korean lottery draw has produced an extraordinarily rare resultone that is expected to occur only once every 745 years.
On 9 March 2025, the draw revealed the winning numbers: 20, 21, 22, 25, 28, and 29, with a bonus number of 6. All six main numbers were in the 20s, a pattern so rare that it has sparked intense debate.
In South Koreas 6/45 lottery, where players select six numbers from 1 to 45, there are 8,145,060 possible number combinations. Among these, only 210 sets consist entirely of numbers in the 20s. Mathematically, such a result should occur once every 38,786 draws. Since the lottery is drawn once per week, this means it would take around 745 years to naturally see?this kind of outcome.
Heated debate erupts amid victories
Despite the staggering odds, 36 people matched all six numbers. Each winner will receive 823,931,021 won (505,000). Among them, 23 picked their numbers manually, 11 used an automatic selection, and 2 used a mix of both.
The unexpected result has led to heated discussions online, with some questioning whether the draw was fair. However, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which oversees the DongHang Lottery, has denied any possibility of fraud.
Officials insist that the draw is broadcast live on television and that lottery machines and balls undergo strict inspections before each draw. To further assure the public, the Ministry invited 100 randomly selected observers to watch a live lottery draw last Novemberfive times the usual number of attendees.
Same game, more allegations
South Korea’s lottery landscape has seen a remarkable growth in recent years. However, this is not the first time South Koreas lottery has come under scrutiny. In July 2024, the DongHang Lottery faced intense public criticism after an unprecedented 63 individuals won the jackpot in a single draw. The unusually high number of winners led to widespread speculation and suspicions of potential irregularities in the lottery system.
In response, the Ministry of Economy and Finance launched a full investigation to ensure the lotterys integrity. Experts from institutions like the Statistical Research Institute at Seoul?National University was tasked with analyzing the possibility of manipulation. Their findings confirmed that, while highly unusual, the multiple-winner scenario is still statistically possible.
To restore public confidence, the lottery commission introduced additional transparency measures, including conducting live draws in the presence of media representatives and independent observers.
Although no evidence of fraud has been found, many experts and lottery players continue to call for stronger oversight and reforms. Yet, as the debate rages on, this once-in-745-years event has secured its place in South Koreas lottery history.
