Yoon: "Cyber Attacks by Hacking Groups Behind Totalitarian States... Threat to National Security"

'Cyber Summit Korea (CSK) 2024' Congratulatory Address
"Han Establishes International Status as a Hub for Global Cyber Training"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of Cyber Summit Korea (CSK) 2024 held on the 11th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 11th, "Hacking organizations and cybercriminals backed by totalitarian states are exploiting advanced cyber technologies to carry out increasingly diverse and sophisticated attacks," adding, "If cyberattacks deliver a critical blow to core infrastructure, national security and public safety could be severely threatened."

President Yoon attended the international cybersecurity event 'Cyber Summit Korea (CSK) 2024' held at COEX in Seoul that morning, saying, "Cyberspace has become a core infrastructure of the nation," and "As benefits increase, so do challenges and threats."

This inaugural event, co-hosted by the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Technology Research Institute, is held over two days until the 12th under the theme "AI, Quantum, and Space Era: Proactive Efforts for Global Cybersecurity." Discussions on various cybersecurity issues, including international cooperation measures against cyber threats, are scheduled.

President Yoon said, "Since cyber threats are not a problem of a single country, nations worldwide are shifting to 'active cybersecurity' based on international solidarity," adding, "South Korea also announced its 'National Cybersecurity Strategy' in February this year and adopted the 'Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework' last year to extend the ROK-U.S. alliance into cyberspace, focusing on cyber cooperation with allied countries."

He also emphasized, "South Korea has long been a cybersecurity powerhouse, continuously developing defense capabilities and security systems in response to cyberattacks from hostile forces, including North Korea," and "Taking this event as an opportunity, South Korea will establish its international status as the 'International Cyber Training Hub' representing the Indo-Pacific region."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is performing the 'One Team' ceremony at the opening ceremony of Cyber Summit Korea (CSK) 2024 held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 11th. From the left, Shin Ik-hyun, CEO of LIG Nex1; Kim Young-seop, CEO of KT; Lee Soo-hyun, CISO of WINS; Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT; Cho Tae-yong, Director of the National Intelligence Service; President Yoon; Wolfgang Angerholzer, Ambassador of Austria to Korea; Armeanu Cezar Manole, Ambassador of Romania to Korea; Michelle Winslow, Ambassador of Ireland to Korea; Emilia Gatto, Ambassador of Italy to Korea; Mart Nurma, Director of NATO Cyber Defence Centre.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Yoon introduced the government's policy direction, saying, "In line with the hyperconnected AI era, we are boldly improving government network security policies and encryption usage policies to meet global standards so that public data can be utilized quickly and broadly." He added, "I hope CSK will develop into a vibrant platform for communication and cooperation where top experts representing each country come together to overcome challenges ahead and build stronger cybersecurity."

After the opening ceremony, President Yoon visited the exhibition hall promoting advanced technology and cybersecurity companies, received briefings, and offered encouragement. After watching a demonstration of the National Intelligence Service’s cyberattack detection and response process, he praised the efforts of the practitioners working to protect cybersecurity.

Additionally, he observed and encouraged officials involved in the first international cyber training (APEX) led by South Korea, which the president personally pledged at the NATO summit in Washington last July.

The event was attended by over 70 representatives from overseas missions in Korea and 17 foreign institutions. From the National Assembly, Information Committee Chairman Shin Sung-bum and others participated; from the government, Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT and Chairman Kim Chang-kyung of the Digital Platform Government Committee attended; and from the Presidential Office, Cyber Special Advisor Lim Jong-in and Deputy Director Wang Yoon-jong of the National Security Office, among about 400 others, were present.