Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

 “Concerned about North Korea being connected with international terrorist organizations…thorough preparations needed”

The awareness of terrorism has increased due to recent ISIL threats.

Emphasis on ways to prepare for terrorism, which may occur in Korea

Asked to detect and block North Korean cyber terrorism as well

President Park Geun-hye stressed that we are no longer safe from terrorism and that asked to be thoroughly prepared. This was a powerful message amid growing concerns about the safety of the public, as we continue to witness indiscriminate terrorism occur around the world, such as the mass shooting that recently took place in the U.S.

At the Cabinet meeting, which was held under the chairmanship of the President at Cheongwadae on June 21, the president stated that Korea is no longer safe from terrorism, especially given that several foreign residents of Korea are known to have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In addition, approximately 50 foreigners were discovered to be supporting terrorist groups.

She said “Vigilance against terrorism has been increasing around the world, and it turns out that ISIL has recently instigated their followers around the world to target two USFK facilities and one Korean citizen for terror attacks.”

President Park also asked to prepare for possibility that North Korea is connected with international terrorist cells. She said, “This situation raises concerns on the North Korea’s terror attacks which is directly or indirectly connected with international terrorist organizations, as we are currently obtaining intelligence that North Korea is attempting to kidnap Koreans while openly posting videos threatening to blow up Cheongwadae and government buildings.” She emphasized the idea that the advance prevention of terrorism is critical, and with a focus on the Counter-Terrorism Center - which was established on June 4 and reports to the Prime Minister’s Office – as the headquarters, we should identify the possible patterns of terror attacks in Korea, make provisions for them, and thoroughly inspect our training system. She added, “In the circumstance that Korea also could face massive complex terror incidents in downtown areas such as those occurred in Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium; and Orlando, U.S. and we should ensure preparations for actively response to them.

She also made sure to pay close attention to North Korea's cyber terror threats. This stemmed from concerns that North Korea, which has frequently been provoking us - including the communication jam that occurred last April - might carry out cyber terrorism attacks again anytime soon. She said, “North Korean cyber attacks against our IT systems, as well as our information and communication systems, are increasing and becoming more intelligent. I’d like to ask the relevant departments to prepare countermeasures to detect and block these attempts in advance.”

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >
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