South Korea’s Defense Ministry will complete a major reshaping of its Defense Counterintelligence Command by 2027.
The overhaul is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve transparency across the armed forces, The Chosun Daily reported.
Specifically, the move will redefine the unit’s role, focusing solely on counterintelligence and scaling back on what officials called its “excessive powers” over intelligence gathering, investigations, and background checks by transferring those duties to other agencies.
A joint public, private, and military committee will finalize detailed reform plans by the end of the year, followed by changes to laws, budgets, and facilities through 2026.
Aimed at Sustaining Trust
The defense agency noted that the changes aim to restore public trust after the command’s involvement in a failed martial law attempt under former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
“We will reorganize … so they can focus on their core duties while maintaining political neutrality,” Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek said, according to Maeil Business Newspaper.
Ahn also told lawmakers that the reforms are crucial as the military faces “complex and unpredictable security challenges,” especially from North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile capabilities.
“I will do my best to develop a high-tech strong force trusted by the people,” he said.
Closer Ties With US
Seoul also said that it is expanding defense cooperation with Washington, moving beyond maintenance contracts to potentially building US Navy support and combat vessels in South Korean shipyards.
Officials said the partnership could deepen the two allies’ 70-year military relationship and strengthen deterrence against North Korea.
The potential structure is also expected to boost joint surveillance and readiness with the US and improve rapid response to Pyongyang’s provocations while minimizing risk to civilians.
