APEC 'D-100' Hwang Inkwon Vows to Minimize Public Inconvenience with "Open Security" Approach

With 100 days remaining until the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in South Korea this year, the Security and Safety Control Team, which oversees security and safety, announced on July 23 that it is accelerating preparations for the successful hosting of the event under the principle of "open security and low-profile security."

The Security and Safety Control Team is composed of six agencies, with the Presidential Security Service at its core, along with the National Intelligence Service, the Ministry of National Defense, the National Police Agency, the National Fire Agency, and the Korea Coast Guard. Through close cooperation among these agencies, the team is establishing a comprehensive APEC security and safety plan that covers security measures for the summit venue, accommodations for the leaders, and each event site. The plan also takes into account bilateral meetings to be held in Seoul and related events in other regions.

The Security and Safety Control Team is closely analyzing the geographical characteristics of the Bomun Complex in Gyeongju, where the summit venue and leaders' accommodations are located. By maintaining ongoing communication with the Gyeongju Support Team, relevant public officials, and companies based in the Bomun Complex, the team aims to achieve its security objectives while minimizing inconvenience to the public. The goal is to implement "open security and low-profile security" throughout the summit period.

Hwang Inkwon, head of the Security and Safety Control Team (Chief of the Presidential Security Service), stated, "Through continuous communication and consultation with relevant ministries, the Security and Safety Control Team will do its utmost not only to ensure safety but also to create an event that inspires the delegations of participating countries and instills pride in the citizens involved." He added, "We will make every effort to ensure that this 'K-APEC' becomes an opportunity to experience a safe Republic of Korea and sophisticated 'K-security' created together with the people."