Crisis Alert Raised to 'Caution' After National Information Resources Service Fire... 'Crisis Response Headquarters' Activated

Massive Paralysis of Government Computer Services
"Caution" Level Crisis Alert Issued
Public Notification to Minimize Inconvenience

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has issued a "Caution" level crisis alert following a fire at the National Information Resources Service. The National Information Resources Service is a facility where the communication systems of the government and public institutions are concentrated, and currently, government IT services have been paralyzed on a large scale.

On the 26th, after holding an emergency situation assessment meeting presided over by Minister Yun Hojoong in response to the fire, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued a "Caution" level crisis alert. With the issuance of the "Caution" alert, the "Crisis Response Headquarters" has been activated, and the government plans to minimize inconvenience and respond according to the business continuity plan by providing accurate information to the public through guidance messages.

The information systems affected by the fire include the People’s Sinmungo and the Mobile Public Official ID, among others. Notices about system disruptions will be provided through guidance pages, messages, or alerts. However, the nationwide 119 emergency call, reception, and dispatch systems are operating normally. Some functions, such as the video reporting system and the emergency medical smart system, have experienced disruptions. The location information inquiry system has been switched to the joint response center of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, where emergency measures have been completed.

Firefighters at the scene are currently conducting smoke ventilation and firefighting operations. So far, one man in his 40s has been reported injured, suffering first-degree burns to his face and arm. About 100 people evacuated the National Information Resources Service on their own due to the fire.

The National Information Resources Service is where the IT systems of public institutions are concentrated. The fire has affected a total of 70 systems, including 12 first-grade and 58 second-grade systems, such as the mobile ID, resulting in service outages. The main government ministry websites and government email systems are also currently inaccessible.