{"id":2204076,"date":"2024-03-04T19:50:35","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T10:50:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2204076"},"modified":"2024-03-05T15:50:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T06:50:28","slug":"why-a-push-to-reform-south-korean-spy-law-risks-a-diplomatic-fallout-with-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/03\/why-a-push-to-reform-south-korean-spy-law-risks-a-diplomatic-fallout-with-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a push to reform South Korean spy law risks a diplomatic fallout with China"},"content":{"rendered":"
Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of South Korea\u2019s ruling People Power Party (PPP), has called for <\/span>broadening espionage laws<\/span><\/a> to make it illegal to spy for any foreign country, a sharp contrast from the ROK\u2019s current legislation that only specifies North Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n Under current South Korean law, espionage is only illegal if it poses a threat to national security and <\/span>specifically benefits North Korea<\/span><\/a>. Consequently, actions carried out by or on behalf of other countries fall outside the scope of prosecution.<\/span><\/p>\n Han\u2019s proposal comes after National Assembly Deputy Speaker <\/span>Kim Young-joo\u2019s<\/span><\/a> decision to join the PPP following her exit from the main opposition Democratic Party (DP). She had previously <\/span>advocated<\/span><\/a> the expansion of the country\u2019s espionage laws, reflecting an emerging consensus across South Korea\u2019s political spectrum on the need to strengthen legal protections against corporate and military espionage.<\/span><\/p>\n The proposed legal changes come at a time when South Korea has experienced several high-profile technology leaks, underscoring the urgency of updating its espionage framework.<\/span><\/p>\n However, this development presents new risks and strategic considerations. If passed, the proposed expanded espionage law will likely affect South Korea\u2019s international relations, especially with China, and impact global business operations.<\/span><\/p>\n Addressing espionage has significant implications for the country\u2019s domestic and international policies, as well as for businesses operating in and with South Korea, and the success of these efforts will likely depend on more than just changing the law.<\/span><\/p>\n