April 18, 2025
South Korea has launched an ambitious multisector initiative to fortify its national cybersecurity, responding to a sharp rise in AI-powered cyberattacks, particularly those linked to North Korean hackers. According to a recent report, the country faced an average of 1.62 million cyberattacks daily in 2023, with approximately 80% orchestrated by Pyongyang, as noted by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). This escalation, fueled by sophisticated AI technologies, has prompted Seoul to shift from reactive to proactive defense strategies, aligning with its 2024 National Cybersecurity Strategy and Basic Plan.
A New Era of Cyber Threats
The growing sophistication of North Korea-backed cyber operations, which leverage artificial intelligence to enhance hacking capabilities, has transformed South Korea’s threat landscape. “The rise of AI-powered cyberattacks has markedly transformed South Korea’s cybersecurity approach, leading the country to prioritize proactive and comprehensive strategies,” said Tae Yeon Eom, a research scholar at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. These AI-driven attacks target critical infrastructure, financial systems, and national defense, posing significant risks to national security.
In early 2025, South Korea’s data protection authority took decisive action by removing the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from official app stores due to concerns over questionable data collection practices. This move underscores Seoul’s heightened vigilance against foreign technologies that could compromise data security.
Strengthening Regional and Global Cooperation
South Korea is not tackling these challenges alone. The country is actively collaborating with allies to bolster collective cyber defenses. In February 2025, Seoul hosted the United Kingdom-led Cyber Marvel exercise, bringing together cybersecurity experts from 26 nations to defend against simulated attacks. Additionally, South Korea funded a 2024 Interpol operation that led to approximately 5,500 arrests and the seizure of over $400 million in cryptocurrency and other assets, demonstrating its commitment to disrupting global cybercrime networks.
Regionally, South Korea’s efforts align with those of its partners. For instance, Singapore’s Armed Forces and Cyber Security Agency hosted the third Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise in late 2024, reflecting a shared focus on protecting vital systems. These initiatives highlight a growing recognition that AI-driven cyber threats require coordinated, multinational responses.
A Strategic Shift in Cybersecurity
Seoul’s 2024 National Cybersecurity Strategy emphasizes safeguarding critical infrastructure and fostering innovation in cybersecurity technologies. The establishment of the Defense AI Center in April 2024, staffed by 110 military and civilian researchers, marks a significant step toward integrating AI into national defense. The center focuses on developing AI-operated systems and enhancing battlefield situational awareness, aiming to counter threats from North Korea and other adversaries.
Moreover, South Korea is investing in secure 5G networks and cloud computing for public systems, with the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA) rolling out certification programs to ensure robust protection. These measures are part of a broader effort to stay ahead of cybercriminals who exploit AI to evade detection and scale their attacks.
The Road Ahead
As AI continues to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, South Korea’s proactive stance positions it as a leader in combating digital threats. By fostering international partnerships, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and implementing robust national strategies, Seoul is setting a benchmark for others to follow. However, the relentless pace of cyber threats, particularly from state-sponsored actors like North Korea, underscores the need for constant vigilance and adaptation.
For more details on South Korea’s cybersecurity initiatives, visit Indo-Pacific Defense Forum.
Stay tuned for updates as South Korea continues to navigate the evolving world of AI-driven cybersecurity.
