South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Oct. 17, 2025 | Cyber Attacks and Data Loss

South Korean investigators have uncovered about 20 additional illegal base stations linked to hacking incidents involving unauthorized small payments through telecom provider KT Corp. These new base stations were identified beyond the initial four confirmed by KT. The joint government-private investigation also identified fewer than 10 new victims, adding to the 362 victims reported by KT, compared to 220 victims counted by police.

The hackers accessed KT's network via unregistered femtocells, small cellular base stations typically used in homes or small businesses, which KT outsources for installation and management. This breach, occurring around late August, resulted in estimated losses of 240 million won (approximately US$173,000). KT is considering issuing an additional briefing to provide updated details on the situation.

Separately, two Chinese nationals were sent to court in Suwon on charges related to unauthorized mobile payments linked to the hack. KT is South Korea’s second-largest mobile carrier, and the breach affected a broader area than initially understood.

38 North | English | AcademicThink | Oct. 17, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

During the third quarter of 2025, North Korea advanced its ballistic missile and space-launch capabilities, highlighted by the near completion of the Hwasong-20 solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), intended to succeed the Hwasong-19. The missile’s solid-fuel engine, using composite carbon fiber material, underwent a final static test on September 8, suggesting a possible flight test within months. The missile's motor has thrust comparable to the 1980s US Peacekeeper ICBM, and the use of carbon fiber cases may enable greater range or payload, potentially accommodating multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) under development.

At the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, a large new jetty was finished in July 2025 to facilitate the delivery of oversized cargo by sea, likely linked to preparations for a new large space-launch vehicle (SLV). This development supports ambitions for deploying larger or multiple satellites, which may include reconnaissance, weather, or communications payloads in various orbits.

Russia publicly expressed understanding and respect for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, framing it as a legitimate measure for national security. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s remarks coincide with Moscow’s continued opposition to UN sanctions enhancements, signaling that Russia is unlikely to actively support denuclearization efforts and may be complicit in North Korea's nuclear and missile development. Concurrently, North Korea is expanding its nuclear materials production capacity, reaffirming its priority to strengthen its nuclear posture with plans outlined for 2025 and beyond.

Reports also emerged about an increased emphasis on North Korea’s chemical weapons (CW) program. According to an unnamed high-level North Korean source, chemical weapons are being elevated as strategic deterrents alongside nuclear arms, with substantial efforts in research, development, and production aimed at battlefield utility. Although details remain unverified, North Korea is assessed to maintain a significant chemical weapons stockpile dating back decades, posing a persistent and complex threat that could be integrated into military operations against South Korea and allied forces.

과기정통부 초대 AI실장에 김경만...정부 첫 AI총괄과장 출신

ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News | Oct. 17, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

Kim Kyung-man has been appointed as the first Chief of the newly established AI Policy Office within the Ministry of Science and ICT. This appointment follows a revision of the Government Organization Act, which elevated the Deputy Prime Minister for Science, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence and expanded the government's AI department. The AI Policy Office is now the core governmental body responsible for planning and implementing national AI policy, aiming to develop the national AI ecosystem and drive AI innovation across the government.

Before this role, Kim served as AI Policy Planning Officer and head of the AI-Based Policy Division, contributing to policies designed to position the country as one of the top three AI powers globally. The AI Policy Office is divided into two main sections: the AI Policy Planning Office, which Kim previously led and which focuses on AI policy design, legal frameworks, industry growth, safety, trust, and talent development; and the AI Infrastructure Policy Office, led by Director Kim Min-pyo, responsible for expanding AI computing resources, data, cloud services, and related national support functions.

Kim Kyung-man’s career includes notable roles such as Director of the Telecommunications Competition Policy Division and Director of the AI-Based Policy Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT. He holds degrees from Korea University and the University of Colorado and has completed training at the National Diplomatic Academy. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the government's AI leadership and operational capacity amid a broader national AI strategy.