Semiconductors account for nearly 40% of South Korea technology leaks, NIS data shows
South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) detected 107 industrial technology leaks overseas between 2021 and 2025. Semiconductors accounted for 40 cases, nearly 40 percent of the total. Display technologies followed with 21 cases. Electrical and electronics technologies saw 10 leaks. Of these, 31 involved national core technologies, with semiconductors again leading with nine cases.
South Korea's technology leak problem is not evenly distributed. Semiconductors are the primary target, comprising 40 of 107 detected leaks from 2021 to 2025. This nearly doubles display technology leaks, which stand at 21 cases. The focus on chips reflects their strategic importance to the national economy and global supply chains.
The former Samsung Electronics manager who allegedly leaked 18-nanometer DRAM manufacturing technology to China's CXMT highlights the direct threat. This specific incident involved a national core technology. South Korean chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix face continuous pressure to protect their intellectual property. Their competitive edge depends on it.
The test for Seoul is whether its current enforcement deters future high-value leaks. The NIS data covers 2021 to 2025. Future reports must show a decline in semiconductor-related incidents. Otherwise, the current policy framework is insufficient.
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