Semiconductors top South Korea's technology leak cases

The Korean intelligence agency detected more than 100 cases of industrial technology leaks abroad

The intelligence agency of South Korea more than 100 cases of industrial technology leaks abroad over the past five years, with semiconductors accounting for about 40% of the total.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to the National Assembly, the National Intelligence Service disclosed 107 cases of industrial technology leakage abroad between 2021 and 2025.

Semiconductor technologies accounted for the largest share with a total of 40 cases, followed by display technologies with 21 cases, electrical and electronic technologies with 10 cases, automotive technology with 7 cases, and shipbuilding technology with 6 cases, according to the Yonhap news agency.

Of all the cases, 31 involved core national technology areas, which the government classifies as critical to national security and the economy due to their technological and economic value or growth potential, according to agency data.

Semiconductors also accounted for the largest share of leaks related to core national technology areas — 9 cases — followed by display technologies and electrical and electronic technologies (5 cases each).

A prominent case involved a former Samsung Electronics executive who is alleged to have leaked 18‑nanometer DRAM manufacturing technology, classified as a core national technology, to Chinese chipmaker Changxin Memory Technologies.