Interior ministry adds staff to counter cyber risks

The interior ministry said Friday it is bolstering cybersecurity and personal data protection teams by adding officials, a response to rising digital threats linked to artificial intelligence and platform economy growth.

The revisions target central administrative bodies and affiliated committees to counter data leaks and cyber intrusions. The Ministry of Justice receives additional staff members, while the National Tax Service adds positions through a mix of new hires and internal transfers. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will see a net increase of officials, with one role reallocated from an affiliated agency.

The interior ministry itself gains two new privacy officers and four experts dedicated to general information security, raising its total headcount from 1,708 to 1,714. The Personal Information Protection Commission receives personnel to oversee regulatory compliance, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Korea Customs Service get targeted increases for diplomatic and trade-related security. The police agency also secures additional officers to strengthen investigations into digital crimes.

The package amends statutes governing entities ranging from the Food and Drug Safety Ministry to the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission. The presidential decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation on August 28, 2026.