(LEAD) Defense ministry launches new counterintelligence unit in overhaul

Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 3 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry inaugurated a new counterintelligence unit on Monday, as part of a broad reform initiative aimed at replacing the former Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC). The DCC, which has faced criticism for its perceived political influence, has been in operation for 49 years.

The new unit, the Defense Counterintelligence Agency, will focus on countering espionage and terror threats from North Korea and other nations, as well as protecting advanced technologies from cyber threats. The reform, announced in early June, includes the creation of three new bodies: the counterintelligence unit, a security support unit, and an investigative unit.

The latter will focus on crimes threatening national security, including espionage and cyber threats. The launch ceremony took place at the former DCC headquarters in Gwacheon, with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back among the attendees.