South Korea Defence Ministry Establishes New Counterintelligence Agency

South Korea's defence ministry launched a new counterintelligence agency on Monday, August 3, in a ceremony at the former headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul. The unit, unveiled by Defence Minister Ahn Gyu‑back, is part of a sweeping reform that dissolves the 49‑year‑old Defence Counterintelligence Command (DCC) and creates three new bodies to replace it.

The agency will “proactively tackle future security threats,” focusing on espionage and terrorist activities from North Korea and other sources. It will also guard military secrets in the defence industry, protect advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite systems, and support strategic operations like maintenance, repair and overhaul work conducted with the US Navy. A separate security support unit was also created to oversee internal military security, conduct audits of large formations and investigate breaches.

The reform aims to curb the DCC’s historically excessive powers and address criticism stemming from its involvement in former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s failed martial‑law attempt in December 2024.