New security support unit launched in counterintelligence overhaul

Seoul, August 3 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean defense ministry inaugurated a new security support unit on Monday, as part of a comprehensive reform plan following the disbandment of the counterintelligence unit, plagued by allegations of political meddling. This new entity, along with two other agencies, is a direct result of the ministry's decision to distribute and transfer the responsibilities of the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC) to fresh and established bodies.

The DCC, in operation for 49 years, was officially dissolved in June following the ministry's announcement of the reform strategy.

The newly established security support agency will be tasked with overseeing internal military security matters, including conducting security audits for corps-level units and larger formations, and probing security breaches. The agency aims to improve the fairness and impartiality of defense security duties, thereby fortifying the military's overall security framework by preventing security incidents.

The DCC has frequently been under fire for its excessive powers, stemming from its intelligence-gathering roles, and had undergone multiple reform initiatives under past governments. The unit's involvement in President Yoon's failed martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, has rekindled the demand for reforms.

Apart from the security support agency, the reform blueprint also envisions the creation of a new counterintelligence headquarters within the ministry, which will concentrate on intelligence matters related to North Korea and safeguard classified information within the defense sector. Additionally, an independent investigative unit will be set up to tackle crimes that endanger national security, such as espionage, treason, and cybersecurity threats.