By Bae Ji-sook
The security for the G20 Seoul Summit will be tighter than ever since 34 heads of state, government or international organizations will visit the capital for discussions over pending financial issues.
With just one little mistake, everything could go wrong, which would seriously tarnish the national image, said Kim In-jong, head of the Presidential Security Service and the G20 security team, keeping the organization alert to any possible incidents.
Aside from the much publicized security plans with more than 60,000 armed forces placed in southern Seoul and around the capital, the government and the summit organizers are busy fine-tuning the last minute details of the protocols and security.
The security starts from the air where Air Force 1, in case of the U.S. President Barack Obama, will be guarded by the Korean Air Force on its territory. The Korean military will also keep a tight watch on any possible North Korean attack.
The state leaders will be guarded by the Air Force and Hyundai’s bullet-proof Equus will be provided for mobilization from the airport to their destination. Their spouses will be carried in BMW 750is and Audi A8s and international organization chiefs will be given Chrysler 300Cs.
But according to news reports, U.S. President Barack Obama will bring his own vehicle, GM’s Cadillac One, and his own chopper. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will also bring his own vehicles for safety’s sake. While the VIPs are on the move, security guards will control up to 500 meters of road.
Security vessels will be operating on the Han River, to resist any possible underwater attack. It was revealed the North has tried to hack information about Seoul’s water supply and drainage system, alerting security officers. The team is now monitoring North Korea through satellite systems.
The military is also on alert over a possible North Korean attack and have defined nine prototypes for possible terrorism, which they have undergone repeated drills for the past several months.
Around Leeum Museum, the National Museum, Gyeongbok Palace and other key sites, where the VIPs or their spouses are scheduled to visit will also be under tight inspection. Those deemed suspicious will be stopped for security checks and all traffic will be strictly controlled.
The mail and other correspondence to and from COEX, the main convention venue, will be restricted. Even the manholes around the area will be sealed.