South Korean President Lee proposes centralized cybersecurity body

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for the creation of a powerful, government-wide cybersecurity authority to coordinate security functions currently scattered across various agencies. During a cabinet meeting, Lee stated that the existing security system, which relies heavily on inspections and after-the-fact responses, is reaching its limits.

The proposed body would aim to establish a comprehensive preventive system to protect public services and critical infrastructure, including information and communication technology, energy, and finance. Lee also suggested discussing the formation of a task force that spans both the public and private sectors.

In response to recent threats, the National Intelligence Service has launched emergency security inspections covering more than 2,100 central government ministries, local governments, and public institutions. The move follows repeated cyber intrusions in the country, including recent attacks on the financial sector and a multibillion-dollar theft involving the cryptocurrency exchange Binance.