South Korean Intelligence Official Sold Secrets to China

A South Korean military intelligence official has been indicted for allegedly leaking the identities of undercover agents to a Chinese operative.

The 49-year-old, previously with the Defense Intelligence Command, admitted to working for Chinese intelligence since 2017. Initially denying the charges, he later confessed to being recruited during a visit to Yanji, China.

According to military prosecutors, the official was detained by Chinese authorities at Yanji airport and coerced into working for them in exchange for his family’s safety. He was charged with bribery, aiding the enemy, and violating the Military Secrets Protection Act, according to Joongang daily.

Investigations revealed that he received payments since 2019 and began leaking classified information in June 2022. Payments tracked so far amount to 160 million won ($120,000). The official reportedly captured sensitive data by photographing computer screens and uploading it to a Chinese cloud server, while attempting to conceal his activities through various security measures.

Despite the gravity of the leaks, including the identities of undercover agents, he has not been charged with treason or espionage, as these are reserved for aiding North Korea. However, there are concerns that his Chinese handler could be linked to North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau.

This case has sparked renewed debate in South Korea about expanding counter-espionage laws to cover leaks to other countries and tightening penalties for state secrets breaches.