Concerns Over Exposure for Political Purposes and Abuse of Power
Stricter Requirements for Access, Copying, and Use of Information Within the Special Zone
Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, announced on May 16 that he would pilot the introduction of a "data special zone" in Busan, where the requirements for search and seizure would be subject to a dual procedure.
In a policy briefing released that day, Lee stated, "Through the data special zone system, we will establish an independent and trusted area where indiscriminate search and seizure is prohibited." He explained that within the designated data special zone, even if search and seizure of high-risk sensitive information is permitted by warrant, browsing, copying, and utilization would be restricted to cases with the explicit consent of the data subject or approval from an independent Data Review Committee (tentative name).
Lee said, "We will establish a dual legal and technical protection system based on domestic law and international agreements to maintain information sovereignty and trust regardless of changes in political circumstances between countries." He added, "Search and seizure will only be permitted for serious crimes that are socially unacceptable, such as illegal recordings targeting children and adolescents, cyberterrorism, and major threats to life or physical safety."
Candidate Lee Junseok answering reporters' questions (Busan=Yonhap News) Photo by Ryu Youngseok = Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is answering reporters' questions after visiting Anyangam at Beomeosa, Geumjeong District, Busan on May 14, 2025. ondolyna.co.kr (End) He also projected, "Permits related to electricity, water, land, and environment required for establishing data centers within the special zone will be processed through a 'one-stop fast track' system, which consolidates all reviews at a single window. The area will be designated as a regulatory exception zone where consultations between central government ministries can be omitted, drastically shortening the time required to launch actual projects."
As for the reasons for piloting the system in Busan, Lee cited the proximity of the Kori Nuclear Power Plant, which enables power supply without transmission loss, and the location near the sea and rivers, which facilitates the securing of cooling water and the reuse of waste heat. He further explained, "An international submarine optical cable network is concentrated here, providing a telecommunications environment directly connected to global companies."
The data special zone pledge stems from concerns that, in the case of major domestic data centers (such as Kakao and Naver), sensitive information could be exposed for political purposes or by those in power when a court-issued warrant is granted. The lack of clear legal standards for digital asset protection has been pointed out as a limitation in gaining the trust of global cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) companies.
Lee projected, "Attracting data centers and global companies can create high-income jobs in IT and security sectors within the region, and the entry of foreign corporations will also increase local and corporate tax revenues."
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