South Korea Faces Persistent Cybersecurity Challenges Despite Digital Leadership: Call for a Centralized, Balanced Approach
South Korea, renowned globally for its rapid internet speeds, nearly comprehensive broadband coverage, and leading role in digital innovation with tech giants like Hyundai, LG, and Samsung residing within its borders, has become a prime target for cyber-attacks. The country’s cybersecurity defenses have been exposed as vulnerable following a series of high-profile hacks on credit card companies, telecoms, startups, and government agencies, affecting a significant portion of the South Korean populace.
The aftermath of each attack has seen ministries and regulators responding in a disjointed manner, often working independently rather than collaboratively. Critics attribute this to the country’s fragmented system of government ministries and agencies, resulting in slow and uncoordinated responses, according to local media reports.
Without a clear government agency designated as the ‘first responder’ following a cyber-attack, South Korea’s digital defenses struggle to keep pace with its technological advancements. Brian Pak, CEO of Seoul-based cybersecurity firm Theori and advisor to SK Telecom’s parent company’s special committee on cybersecurity innovations, stated that due to government agencies working in silos, the development of digital defenses and training of skilled workers often goes overlooked.
The country also faces a severe shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts. Pak believes this is primarily due to the current approach inhibiting workforce development and resulting in a lack of talent, creating a vicious cycle where insufficient expertise prevents the building and maintenance of proactive defenses necessary to stay ahead of threats.
Political deadlock has led to a pattern of seeking immediate, visible “quick fixes” after each crisis, while long-term efforts to build digital resilience are neglected. This year alone, South Korea has experienced a significant cybersecurity incident every month, further raising concerns about the robustness of its digital infrastructure.
In response to the recent surge in hacking incidents, the South Korean Presidential Office’s National Security Council is taking measures to strengthen defenses by coordinating cross-ministerial efforts that bring multiple agencies together in a unified, whole-of-government response.
In September 2025, the National Security Office announced plans to implement “comprehensive” cybersecurity measures through an interagency plan, spearheaded by the South Korean President’s office. Regulators also signaled a potential legal change granting the government authority to launch investigations at the first sign of hacking — even if companies haven’t filed a report. These steps aim to address the absence of a first responder that has hindered South Korea’s cyber defenses.
However, South Korea’s fragmented system leaves accountability weak, potentially concentrating all authority in a presidential ‘control tower’ could risk politicization and overreach, according to Pak. A more balanced approach may be preferable: a central body to set strategy and coordinate crises, combined with independent oversight to prevent abuse of power. In such a hybrid model, expert agencies like KISA would still handle the technical work — just with clearer rules and accountability, Pak told TechCrunch.
Upon request for comment, a representative from South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT stated that the ministry, along with KISA and other relevant agencies, is “dedicated to addressing increasingly sophisticated and advanced cyber threats.” The representative added that they continue to work diligently to minimize potential harm to Korean businesses and the general public.
