The government held a meeting on measures to prevent overseas technology leaks at the Government Complex Seoul on Thursday (October 1), presided over by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, to discuss institutional improvements to block overseas leaks of technologies in key industries such as semiconductors.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Han said, "If core industrial technologies are leaked abroad, it could have a significant impact on our industry's competitiveness and national economic security," and asked officials to "closely inspect whether the technology protection systems are functioning properly in the field."

She continued, "We must strengthen information sharing and investigative coordination among relevant agencies so that signs of technology leaks can be caught early and addressed swiftly, and also strengthen international cooperation considering the characteristics of overseas technology leak cases."

Han also stressed, "There must not be a perception that one can reap massive profits by leaking advanced technologies abroad while facing punishment that falls far short," urging officials to "strengthen the effectiveness of punishments so that commensurate responsibility follows when technology is actually leaked."

During the meeting, participants discussed the current status of core technology protection and management, measures for information sharing, investigative cooperation, and international coordination, as well as institutional improvements needed to ensure accountability corresponding to leak violations.

In particular, the Prime Minister's Office stated that they examined whether technologies requiring protection—such as technologies accumulated during research and development at companies and universities, and core defense technologies—are caught in management blind spots.

Based on Thursday's discussions, the government plans to review the need for institutional improvements throughout the entire process of prevention, detection, investigation, and punishment, and to devise improvement measures such as overhauling laws and regulations related to industrial technology protection and leaks, consulting on strengthening sentencing guidelines, and enhancing the technology protection capabilities of companies, universities, and research institutions.

(Photo: Yonhap News)