South Korea’s Lee calls for powerful government-wide cybersecurity body - WSAU

Lee made the proposal during a cabinet meeting, arguing that the existing system is showing clear limitations in protecting critical systems. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive preventive system to safeguard public services and infrastructure.

The president also referenced a multibillion-dollar theft affecting Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. While he did not directly name North Korea, the FBI has previously blamed the country for the attack.

North Korea denied involvement on Tuesday. Lee called for a government-wide task force that would span both the public and private sectors to better address these threats.

The National Intelligence Service had launched emergency security inspections covering more than 2,100 central government ministries, local governments, and public institutions, according to Yonhap News Agency.

South Korea has faced repeated cyber intrusions, with its financial sector hit by attacks in recent weeks. North Korean hackers have been blamed for numerous previous attacks on cryptocurrency companies, banks, and government systems.