Cyber Intrusions in South Korea Reach Over 8,500 Incidents, SMEs Most Affected

• •Over 8,500 cyber intrusion incidents reported in South Korea since 2021.
• •Small and midsize enterprises account for 81.6% of reported incidents.
• •Cyber intrusions are increasing across multiple industries, not confined to specific sectors.

Over the past six years, South Korea has reported more than 8,500 cyber intrusion incidents, with small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) bearing the brunt, accounting for 81.6% of these cases. The annual reports have risen significantly, from 640 incidents in 2021 to 2,383 in 2025, with 1,236 incidents reported in the first half of 2026 alone. Notably, 468 corporations experienced multiple system hacks, with 98 reporting three incidents and 42 reporting four or more. The sectors most affected include information and communications, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail. Lawmaker Hwang Jeong-a emphasized the need for accountability for corporations that downplay incidents and called for increased investment in cybersecurity, likening its importance to national security. The rise in cyberattacks across various industries indicates a growing threat landscape.