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

'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 at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 11th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 11th, "Hacking groups 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 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 against cyber threats, are scheduled.

President Yoon said, "Cyber threats are not a problem of a single country, so nations worldwide are transitioning 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 stated, "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 introduced the government's policy direction, saying, "In line with the hyper-connected AI era, we are boldly improving government network security policies and encryption usage policies to align with global standards, enabling faster and broader use of public data." He added, "I hope CSK will develop into a vibrant platform for communication and cooperation where top experts from each country come together to overcome challenges ahead and build stronger cybersecurity."

Yoon: "Attack is the Best Defense... We Must Adopt Offensive Defense"

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Allied Power Exercise (APEX) site after the opening ceremony of Cyber Summit Korea (CSK) 2024 held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 11th, and spoke with Mart Nurma, Director of the NATO Cyber Defense Center. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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.

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

When a training official explained, "Currently, a scenario assuming attacks from hostile countries is underway, with participants from NATO member states and 24 Indo-Pacific countries responding. After the training, information will be shared to enhance the capabilities of all participants," President Yoon responded, "This training aims for Allied Power synergy."

The NATO Cyber Defense Center chief attending the event expressed respect for President Yoon’s leadership in strengthening cooperation between NATO and the Asia-Pacific region, to which President Yoon promised, "We will further expand cooperation with NATO."

President Yoon instructed Cyber Operations Commander Cho Won-hee, "Attack is the best defense. We must adopt offensive defense."

The event was attended by over 70 representatives from foreign embassies in Korea and overseas institutions from 17 countries. 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 Kim Chang-kyung, Chairman of the Digital Platform Government Committee, among others; and from the Presidential Office, Cyber Special Advisor Lim Jong-in and Wang Yoon-jong, Third Deputy Director of the National Security Office, along with about 400 others were present.