International journal of Terrorism & National Security

Purpose: Although more than thirty years have passed since the end of the Cold War, the security environment in Northeast Asia continues to be characterized by persistent confrontation and rivalry between the authoritarian bloc (North Korea, China, and Russia) and the liberal bloc (South Korea, the United States, and Japan). Accordingly, the purpose of this article is to understand the U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy and to analyze the military role of the United States Forces Korea (USFK), which has a significant influence on the formulation of Korea's foreign and security policies, as well as its role as a stabilizer for the regional balance of power. Method: The analytical scope of this study focuses on Asia-Pacific strategies from the George H. W. Bush ad-ministration to the Joe Biden administration. Considering the nature of the research, this study employs a qualitative research method, utilizing literature review and case analysis as its primary research approaches. Results: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States has concentrated its national capabilities on containing China, which poses a potential threat to pax-Americana. As China's hegemony in East Asia may threaten the national survival of South Korea, the ROK-U.S. alliance and the United States Forces Korea(USFK) serve as core leverage in South Korea's foreign policy. Accordingly, it is necessary to strategically maintain the ROK-U.S. relationship to prevent the United States from retreating its Pacific defense line to Japan, while simultaneously exercising diplomatic capacity to ensure that South Korea does not become a regional alliance aimed at containing China in a manner that undermines its current and historic amicable relations with Beijing. Conclusion: The ROK-U.S. alliance should not be confined solely to a military alliance but should be continuously developed into a comprehensive strategic alliance through the sharing of democratic values and the expansion of economic cooperation. In order for the ROK-U.S. alliance to harmonize with multilateral security cooperation frameworks, its scope of activities should be expanded across East Asia, and efforts to promote regional stability and peacekeeping activities should be strengthened. The ROK-U.S. alliance should also expand multilateral security cooperation, including participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and actively engage in efforts to establish regional arms control mechanisms through regional security dialogue.

Purpose: As long as the state maintains a presidential system of government, the approach must be from the perspective of national security, not solely for the personal safety of the president. To achieve this, a layered security system involving overlapping agencies—such as the presidential security agency, police, and military—is crucial. However, some countries argue that the police should replace the presidential security agency directly under the president. In this study, we propose five structural analyses to explain why this claim is incorrect, focusing on the case of Korea. Method: This study is an English-language extension of a paper published in Korean, and expands on the critical discourse on the transfer of presidential security services to the police, which was presented in an exploratory manner in the original Korean paper, with a case study as the basis. Results: This study first examines the history of the Korean presidential security service from its inception to the present, examining the evolution of the "Presidential Security Service" and the "National Police" as the dedicated presidential security agencies. Second, it examines the overlapping security arrangements within Korean presidential security, including security areas, distances from security targets, and responsible agencies. Third, it examines the electronic warfare threats posed by cutting-edge technologies like drones, driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to the presidential security service. Fourth, it analyzes the characteristics of security systems in different countries, based on their political systems: "presidential" and "cabinet" systems. In the Korean case, it categorizes security duties into "personal security," "personal protection," and "personal protection." It also presents the typology of terrorist organizations that pose threats to the president. Conclusion: This study analyzed five structural factors that make presidential security unsuitable for the police. First, the overlapping security system, divided into the Presidential Security Service, the National Police Agency, and the Capital Defense Command, must be maintained. Second, the police's primary responsibility is domestic security, making it difficult to effectively respond to threats linked to foreign countries, which are essential for presidential security. Third, presidential security is operated as a form of military operation rather than a matter of public security, making it difficult for the police to take the lead in presidential security. Fourth, if the police were to exclusively handle presidential security, it would be based on the Police Officers' Duties Execution Act, which mandates that officers prioritize their own safety while performing security duties. This, however, is not legally appropriate. Fifth, security and secrecy are crucial for presidential security, and the police's budget is public and recruitment channels are extensive, making it somewhat incompatible with the security-focused task of presidential security.

Purpose: This study examines the institutional limitations of the Security Services Industry Act (SSIA) of Korea, which classifies private security services into six statutory categories but does not explicitly define “executive protection” (gyeongho) despite its extensive use in industry and everyday discourse. Instead, protection work is subsumed under “personal protection services,” which may not sufficiently capture the operational reality of protection tasks. The study aims to identify how this definitional gap generates interpretive confusion, increases field-level errors, and weakens accountability and training standards. Method: The research adopts a qualitative design combining doctrinal review of the SSIA and its subordinate regulation, comparative legal and policy review of Japan, EU-related standards (EN 15602 and ISO 18788), and the U.S. (California) regulatory materials, and semi-structured in-depth interviews with seven practitioners who each have more than ten years of field experience in protection-related work. Interview topics addressed the gap between statutory and field terminology, task-boundary decisions, liability attribution, training adequacy, and desired legislative amendments. Results: The findings indicate that practitioners consistently understand executive protection as an integrated risk-management service rather than a single protective act. Core components repeatedly identified include pre-event risk assessment, movement and route (itinerary) control, access control, crowd interface management, and on-site risk management—functions that frequently overlap with facility security and crowd/traffic control. How-ever, the current SSIA definition of personal protection services is purpose-oriented (protection of life and body) but operationally abstract, leaving the boundaries of lawful task performance and responsibility allocation uncertain. This ambiguity contributes to inconsistent interpretations across contracting entities, supervisory authorities, and training providers, and may intensify disputes when incidents occur. Conclusion: Rather than restructuring the six-category system, this study proposes a legislative refinement that preserves the existing classification framework while revising the definition clause of “personal protection services” to explicitly include operational essentials of executive protection (movement/route control, access control, and on-site risk management). Such clarification is expected to reduce interpretive burden in the field, improve consistency in supervision and training, and strengthen the legitimacy and professionalization of protection work in Korea.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of South Korea's current criminal law system and special laws in response to the rapidly changing domestic and international terrorist threat landscape, and to propose legislative and institutional improvements to address its shortcomings. Through an analysis of the cur-rent legal system, this study determines whether South Korea's current criminal law and related special laws adequately reflect the unique nature of terrorist crimes. We also compare and analyze the legislative precedents for counter-terrorism by examining and comparing cases from major countries overseas, drawing implications. Furthermore, we propose specific criminal legal response measures, including strengthening the legal basis for intelligence activities, expanding punishment for the preliminary and conspiracy stages, and strengthening international cooperation systems. Method: To achieve its objectives, this study utilizes the following research methods. First, a comprehensive literature review will be conducted, including domestic and international terrorism-related laws, academic papers, government publications, and reports from the United Nations (UN) and international organizations. Second, counter-terrorism laws in major countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, will be analyzed to compare each country's unique response strategies and legal control mechanisms. Third, we analyze actual domestic and inter-national terrorist incidents and related court cases to empirically identify the limitations of current legal applications. Fourth, we conduct a normative analysis of potential violations of fundamental rights in response to terror-ism, based on the fundamental principles of the Constitution and criminal law (the principle of warrants and due process). Results: The current criminal law system in South Korea has some limitations in regulating the transnational nature, organized nature, and prior covert nature of terrorist crimes. In particular, punishment provisions for the preparatory and conspiracy stages are inadequate. While the Anti-Terrorism Act provides authority for intelligence activities, the legal procedures and scope for compulsory measures are ambiguous, hindering the effectiveness of enforcement and raising concerns about human rights violations. Therefore, it is necessary to benchmark overseas cases to suit the domestic situation. For improvement, strengthen the preventive function by specifying and enacting provisions for punishment of preparatory acts of terrorism, clarify the judicial control (court approval) procedures for intelligence agencies' information collection activities to ensure legitimacy and transparency, and establish domestic laws to facilitate information sharing and cooperation with international organizations such as Interpol and the United Nations. Conclusion: This study confirmed that an effective criminal legal response to terrorist crimes lies in achieving a balance be-tween "ensuring public safety" and "guaranteeing fundamental rights." Based on the findings, the following conclusions are offered. First, urgent legislative efforts are needed to specifically supplement criminal punishment provisions for terrorist preparation and conspiracy to ensure a preventive response. Second, judicial and democratic control mechanisms (such as the warrant system, National Assembly control, and the human rights protection officer system) commensurate with the expanded authority to gather information must be strengthened to ensure procedural legitimacy. Third, in addition to strengthening the domestic response system, we must continue to strengthen information sharing and law enforcement cooperation with the United Nations (UN) and key allies. Ultimately, criminal legal responses to terrorist crimes must be based on law and principles. This paper proposes a balanced criminal legal response that builds a society safe from terrorist threats while simultaneously maintaining democratic fundamental order.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the causes of recent child kidnapping and kidnapping incidents in Korean society, and to suggest prevention and countermeasures. Method: This study is a practical study that combines a criminal psychological perspective and legal and policy analysis, and can be used as a reference for establishing child protection policies at the national level in the future. Results: As a result of the study, the main causes of kidnapping were social structural factors (double punishment, increase of single parents), criminal motives for sexual purposes, lack of legal punishment, and limitations of preventive education. Accordingly, this paper intends to propose policy alternatives such as strengthening the response system of police and prosecutors, making CCTV mandatory in child protection zones, expanding elementary school safety bells, practical education for parents, and establishing a digital grooming crime response system. Conclusion: After the crime occurs, it is necessary to shift away from the center of punishment and to a policy focused on prevention. Practical education for children, improvement of parents' awareness, and establishment of community networks are suggested as the most effective strategies. In conclusion, the prevention of child abduction cannot be completed only by the response of the police and prosecution, and it is essential to establish a co-operative system between families, schools, local governments, governments, and international organizations. It should be borne in mind that 'abandoned crime is a crime in which society tests the weakest existence', and a sense of social responsibility for child safety should spread throughout the community. Through the conclusion that 'the motive of the kidnapper cannot be suppressed only by strengthening punishment, and real prevention is possible only when the victim's recovery and community trust are restored.' It is necessary to deepen future studies in the direction of verifying the efficiency of big data-based crime prediction models and artificial intelligence surveillance systems, and promoting a balance between legal punishment and prevention policies.

Purpose: The local police system is vital for meeting community needs and maintaining order. Despite its introduction under Moon's administration, it faces criticism and conflict, especially in Jeju. This study aims to assess perceptions among Jeju residents, police, and experts, focusing on the system's effectiveness and areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation and stakeholder input before full implementation. Method: This study analyzes differences in linkage tasks, collective efficiency, and security satisfaction based on age in the Jeju local police system. Using a survey of 500 Jeju residents conducted via Macroembrain, the study employs SPSS and Amos for factor analysis, reliability testing, and regression analysis. The research aims to evaluate residents' perceptions and the impact of the local police system, examining factors such as demographic variables and system awareness. Results: Hierarchical regression analysis of the Jeju local police system reveals that demographic variables (gender, age, residence, education) have minimal impact on governance linkage, collective efficiency, and security satisfaction. In contrast, awareness of the local police system significantly influences governance linkage (β=.189), collective efficiency (β=.375), and security satisfaction (β=.220), highlighting its greater importance over demo-graphic factors. Conclusion: Research on the implementation of local police systems has been mainly theoretical. This study, using factor and regression analyses, finds that awareness of the local police system positively impacts governance, efficiency, and security satisfaction. Effective practices and improvements, including increased public awareness and training, are suggested to enhance the system’s impact.

Purpose: In modern criminal proceedings, human rights guarantees have been discussed mainly for perpetrators who are expected to be punished in the future, but interest in the criminal law status of victims, which has been marginalized since 1980, has increased. Terrorist crimes will also not be free from this trend. No, terrorist crimes are crimes that require more importance in consideration of victims under the Criminal Policy and Criminal Procedure Act. Thus, The purpose of this article is to identify the current status and problems of the support system for victims of terrorist crimes in Korea and find ways to improve them. Method: Terrorism will also not be free from this trend. No, terrorism is a crime in which consideration should be given to victims under the Criminal Policy and Criminal Procedure Act. This is be-cause terrorist crimes, unlike ordinary crimes, have a very high need to repair property, physical and psychological damage to victims directly from criminal acts in that they are used as tools for human life and body, as well as take structures that mass-produce such victims. This research begins with the question "Where is the current state of consideration for victims of terrorist crimes under our actual law?" To this end, we will first review the concept and scope of victims of terrorist crimes. This is because the concept of terrorist crimes is value-charged and the victims of terrorism are the same. In addition, the ministry conducted a review of the characteristics of the victims of terrorism. Based on these discussions, we look at the structure of the nation's sup-port system for victims of terrorist crimes and discuss the support of victims of terrorist crimes abroad. In particular, the government took the issue as a reference to the Korean government's plan to improve the support system for victims of terrorist crimes by examining the international community's response philosophy and support system, including the United Nations, in terms of guaranteeing the human rights. Finally, the Act on the Prevention of Terrorism and the Act on the Protection of Victims of Crimes reviewed measures to improve the support system for victims of terrorist crimes. Results: The main improvement measures for the support system for victims of terrorist crimes according to this paper are as follows. First of all, it was argued that the damage of terrorist crimes should be considered not only traditional physical damage but also metaphysical legal interests such as the right to self-determination of personal information. In particular, it was argued that the people's right to self-determination of personal information by performing investigation activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act and collecting information should also fall under the damage of terrorist crimes. Next, since most of the current support for victims of terrorist crimes focuses on the financial sup-port system, it was proposed to strengthen access to support victims of terrorist crimes as well as the input of human and material assets to overcome the trauma of victims (although there are also payments for mental dam-age recovery). In addition, the Korean Crime Victim Support Center was ordered to play an active role in introducing an active victim support system such as CVAP in New York State. Conclusion: This research begins with the question "Where is the current state of consideration for victims of terrorist crimes under our actual law?" To this end, we will first review the concept and scope of victims of terrorist crimes. This is because the concept of terrorist crimes is value-charged and the victims of terrorism are the same. In addition, the ministry conducted a review of the characteristics of the victims of terrorism. Based on these discussions, we look at the structure of the nation's support system for victims of terrorist crimes and discuss the support of victims of terrorist crimes abroad. In particular, the government took the issue as a reference to the Korean government's plan to improve the support system for victims of terrorist crimes by examining the international community's response philosophy and support system, including the United Nations, in terms of guaranteeing the human rights. Finally, the Act on the Prevention of Terrorism and the Act on the Protection of Victims of Crimes reviewed measures to improve the support system for victims of terrorist crimes.

Purpose: As of 2024, approximately 34,000 people who escaped North Korea are risking their lives to escape the oppression and human rights violations of the North Korean Kim Jong-un regime and settle in South Korea. They learn the truth about the outside world only after secretly watching South Korean dramas in North Korea, and they decide that there is no future for them as long as Kim Jong-un holds power in North Korea, so they take their children and escape North Korea. After overcoming the crisis of death and settling in South Korea, they receive comprehensive help from the South Korean police to settle into South Korean society. Therefore, South Korean police officers have a high level of understanding in research on North Korean defectors, and since South Korean police officers are public officials, sufficient objectivity can be expected. This study is valuable academic basic data that can provide many researchers internationally with South Korean society's perception of North Korean defectors. Method: The data processing of this study was conducted using the statistical package program SPSS 23.0 Program, and the following statistical verifications were performed according to the purpose of data analysis. First, frequency analysis was conducted using the SPSS/PC+23.0 program to identify general characteristics. Second, Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated to verify the reliability of the questionnaire. Third, One Way ANOVA was conducted to find out the difference in police officers' perception of North Korean defectors according to their period of working. Fourth, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to find out police officers' perception of North Korean defectors. Results: Korean police officers who had worked for a long time recognized that North Korean defectors visit police stations after settling in South Korea to receive legal support. Among Korean police officers who had experience working in security departments directly managing North Korean defectors, those who had worked for a longer time recognized that what was necessary for adapting to South Korean society was an understanding of South Korean society, such as liberal democracy and the market economy system, and that what was difficult about settling in South Korean society was feeling insecure about their personal safety. In addition, they recognized that the average monthly income per household of North Korean defectors in South Korean society was moderate. Conclusion: Since North Korean defectors acquire South Korean citizenship normally, once they settle down in South Korean society, there is no discrimination based on constitutional values, and there are cases of them being elected to the National Assembly, showing their acceptance. In addition, the minimum wage is set at $7.45 per hour, which is higher than the monthly salary of North Korean diplomats (0.3 dollars), and North Korean defectors also receive compensation for their work and enjoy a stable life. In addition, all North Korean defectors live while enjoying South Korea's social security system, including unemployment benefits, health insurance, industrial accident compensation insurance, national pension, and old-age pension.

Purpose: North Korea is training elite cyber hacking personnel and using them for cyber financial crimes, cyber terrorism, and cyber psychological warfare. The purpose of this study is to analyze the current state of cybercrime in North Korea and provide basic data to effectively respond to cybercrime in North Korea. Method: To train cyber specialists, North Korea selects elite personnel after intensive training through elementary, middle, and university education, and then forms a cyber hacking organization through them to analyze cybercrime conditions such as cyber financial crimes and cyber terrorism. Results: North Korean cyber agents are trained as cyber specialists at Kim Il Sung University, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and Mirim Military University. Since then, it has been confirmed that it is a member of the Technical Reconnaissance Bureau under the Reconnaissance General Bureau, engaged in cyber financial crimes, cyber terrorism, and cyber psychological warfare, and that APT37, North Korea's hacking organizations, and Kimsuky are working to steal military secrets from major countries such as South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Conclusion: North Korea's network environment and Internet utilization are among the lowest in the world, but its cyber hacking capabilities are estimated to be among the best in the world. In order to respond to such cyberattacks from North Korea, it is urgent to improve legislation, such as strengthening cyber investigation capabilities and enacting the National Cyber Security Framework Act.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how the crime prevention activities of the autonomous police, centering on Suwon City, have an impact on police trust, and to suggest ways to secure the reliability of the autonomous police activities in the future. Method: In this study, 320 copies of the meaningful results obtained through the survey conducted on the citizens of Suwon were analyzed. For the analysis, the crime prevention activities of the autonomous police were set as an independent variable and trust in the police was set as a dependent variable. Results: As a result of analysis on the impact of crime prevention activities(patrol, crime prevention environment creation, order maintenance) of autonomous police on police trust, it was found that patrol and crime prevention environment creation had a significant effect, and order maintenance No significant effect was found. Conclusion: In order to actively prevent crime, it is necessary to support visible police activities, such as strengthening intensive patrols using foot patrols, motorcycles, and patrol cars, as well as supporting technical equipment for effective arrest. CCTV has a very useful value in that it can be used as an efficient means of arresting criminals by filling the public security vacuum caused by insufficient police manpower at the present time and converting data into a database. In addition, more practical equipment support should be provided by securing the police's own budget to expand the development and expansion of a customized work system tailored to the local situation and to strengthen cooperative public order such as autonomous security guards and child guards.