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South Korea's Spy Agency Warning: Why Past Political Abuse Haunts NIS

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited the National Intelligence Service for the first time since taking office. He expressed deep concern about the agency's history of political manipulation and fabricated cases. The president learned that half of the NIS's former chiefs have faced imprisonment for various offenses. Lee emphasized the need for the spy agency to return to its original duties and regain public trust.

Key Points: President Lee Urges NIS to End Political Misuse and Restore Integrity

  • President Lee makes first agency visit to NIS since June inauguration
  • Expresses regret over past political misuse of intelligence agency
  • Half of former NIS chiefs imprisoned for various corruption charges
  • Calls for intensified crackdown on domestic drug trafficking networks
2 min read

South Korean President urges spy agency to remain faithful to original role

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits NIS, calls for end to political manipulation and vows to restore spy agency's original mission amid corruption scandals.

"It is regrettable that the agency had been politically misused, including fabricated espionage cases - President Lee Jae Myung"

Seoul, Nov 28

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday urged the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to faithfully carry out its original duties, expressing regret that the spy agency had been misused for political purposes in past administrations, the presidential office said.

Lee made the remarks during his first visit to the NIS since taking office in June. It also marks his first visit to a government agency for a policy briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"It is regrettable that the vast majority of you are doing your best for the nation and our people. Yet, there are exceptional situations where the agency had been politically misused, including fabricated espionage cases. When that happens, all employees end up being criticized," Lee said. "I hope such things will never happen again."

Lee said he chose the NIS as the first government agency to visit in order to underscore its importance.

"I believe that intelligence operations have a profound impact on the nation's governance," he said. "I hope that you will continue to faithfully carry out the roles entrusted to you, so that the NIS becomes a respected institution."

Earlier in the day, former NIS chief Cho Tae-yong, who has been under arrest, was indicted by a special counsel team over his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid last December.

Lee stressed that the NIS is an institution capable of achieving significant results when operating properly, calling for an intensified crackdown on domestic drug trafficking networks.

During the briefing, NIS Director Lee Jong-seok noted that half of the agency's 16 former chiefs, including Cho, had been imprisoned on charges ranging from illegal wiretapping and online opinion manipulation to involvement in martial law schemes. He pledged to restore the agency's integrity and ensure that it faithfully serves the public interest.

As part of his visit, President Lee also toured the NIS National Space Security Center, becoming the first sitting president to visit the facility.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Half of their former chiefs in prison? That's shocking! Shows how political interference can destroy institutions. Our agencies in India should learn from this - political neutrality is crucial for national security.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see South Korea dealing with similar institutional challenges. The focus on drug trafficking networks is particularly relevant - it's a global problem that requires strong intelligence cooperation between countries.
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Arjun K
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope this isn't just political rhetoric. Many leaders promise institutional reforms but fail to deliver. The proof will be in how they handle future political pressures.
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Kavya N
The visit to Space Security Center shows how intelligence priorities are evolving. With space becoming the new frontier for security, India should also strengthen our space intelligence capabilities. Good move by South Korea! 🛰️
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Michael C
As someone who has worked in government, I know how difficult it is to reform established institutions. The fact that he chose NIS as his first agency visit shows genuine commitment. Hope they can restore public trust.

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