South Korea Enacts Revised Espionage Law Amid Chip Technology Theft Concerns

• •South Korea's Espionage Act now includes technology leaks to foreign countries.
• •Over half of the 33 reported technology theft cases in 2025 involved China.
• •The semiconductor industry is a key focus due to its economic importance.

South Korea's revised Espionage Act takes effect on September 13, 2026, expanding its scope to include technology leaks to foreign entities, particularly China. The law introduces penalties of up to 30 years in prison for leaking sensitive technology, reflecting heightened concerns over industrial espionage. In 2025, police reported 33 cases of technology theft, with over half linked to China, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The law aims to protect South Korea's critical semiconductor industry, which is vital for the economy. The previous law primarily focused on espionage related to North Korea, limiting its effectiveness. The urgency for this revision is underscored by the rapid advancements of Chinese competitors in the chip market, threatening South Korea's dominance. The government has also announced an $880 billion investment plan to bolster its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Recent high-profile cases, including the indictment of former Samsung employees for leaking technology, highlight the severity of the issue.