South Korea expands espionage law to protect strategic technologies

South Korea has implemented an expanded espionage law aimed at protecting strategic technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, displays, and artificial intelligence. The law, which took effect on September 13, broadens espionage offenses beyond acts involving North Korea to include any foreign country or equivalent organization.

Previously, espionage charges were largely restricted to acts benefiting North Korea, often forcing prosecutors to rely on lighter trade-secret or industrial technology laws for other foreign actors. The new amendment creates a specific offense for espionage on behalf of foreign entities, carrying a minimum prison sentence of three years.

The National Intelligence Service stated the change will strengthen the nation's ability to prevent leaks of critical industrial assets. The legislative move follows high-profile incidents, such as the indictment of former Samsung Electronics employees accused of transferring DRAM chip technology to the Chinese firm CXMT.