Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Aspiring cybersecurity experts receive training at state institute
Hong Won-ki, director at the data and information division of the Ministry of Personnel Management, speaks during a training session held at the Government Joint Cyber Security Center in Sejong, Tuesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Personnel Management
By Jung Min-ho
A group of aspiring cybersecurity experts have received training at a state institute as part of government efforts to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
According to the Ministry of Personnel Management on Wednesday, 25 students studying artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity at Korea University were given an opportunity to learn more about growing cyber threats to the public such as AI-driven data breaches at the Government Joint Cyber Security Center (JCSC) in Sejong.
Under the ministry program, the students got a glimpse into how government systems operate to prevent and counter threats through immersive simulations.
“This training helped me understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology ― it also involves policy and cross-sector collaboration. Applying what we learned in class to real-world scenarios gave me genuine confidence,” said participant Yang Chae-han.
Launched in 2021, the JCSC is now jointly run by 13 government departments and agencies. It provides facilities and equipment necessary to effectively respond to cybersecurity threats and serves as an education platform for government officials.
The facility has been particularly useful for smaller government agencies that lack resources to set up their own such systems, according to ministry officials.
“The JCSC plays a vital role in interagency coordination and cybersecurity workforce development ― both essential to protecting our digital infrastructure,” Minister Yeon Won-jeong said.
Officials said the ministry will continue to broaden its collaboration with academic, research and public institutions to further strengthen Korea’s cyber resilience and foster talent in that critical field.