South Korea and the EU agree to counter North Korea’s code theft

Pyongyang’s habit of stealing South Korea, especially the South Korea, the European Union, promoting cooperation, being forced on global cyber threats.

Diplomats from both countries have designated North Korea as a major source of cybersecurity risks, deserving the risks worthy of their attention, and agreeing to further discuss cyber policy.

Seoul and Brussels join forces to fight back against the threat of cyberspace

South Korean and EU officials agreed the need to strengthen cooperation in dealing with growing cyber threats around the world amid theft of cryptocurrency by hackers in connection with the totalitarian regime of North Korea.

The partners are trying to secure safe and open cyberspace orders, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued after a meeting in Seoul on Tuesday, South Korea’s Yonghap News Agency and major newspapers reported. In a press release, the department emphasized:

“The two sides have analysed the growing landscape of cyber threats, identified the types of cyber threats posed by key actors, including North Korea’s cryptocurrency theft, and agreed on the need for close cooperation between the two to effectively respond to these threats.”

The talks focused on cybersecurity policy were led by Yong Jung Kwon, Director of International Security at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Maciej Stadejek, Director of Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Services (EEAS), an EU diplomatic service.

They were joined by representatives from the National Intelligence Agency, the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office, and South Korea’s national policy agency, as well as members of the cybersecurity division of the European Commission, the executive body of Brussels.

The EU and South Korea support international cybercrime investigations

Authorities discussed what measures must be taken within organizations such as the United Nations as part of a bilateral security partnership and defense partnership, and in a rapidly changing cybersecurity environment to promote cooperation on cyber-related issues at the international level.

They also recognized the need to strengthen collaboration in international cybercrime investigations. Cybercrime has become more refined due to technological advances. Among other initiatives, a particular emphasis was placed on rapid information sharing.

The partners also agreed to support other countries’ efforts to improve cyber capabilities. The goal is to help build “peaceful, safe and open cyberspace,” the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, emphasizing.

“As cyber issues have evolved rapidly and become a critical shared challenge, the South Korea and the EU have agreed to further cyber policy consultations as a platform for comprehensive dialogue on cybersecurity and other related areas.”

Partnership deals come amid increasing activity of North Korean hackers

Over the past few years, hacking syndicates belonging to DPRK, such as the Lazarus Group, have been particularly active in stealing digital coins that are said to fund a variety of initiatives, including nuclear programs and involvement in the Russian war with Ukraine, targeting crypto platforms to steal digital coins allegedly used by Nuclear.

North Korean hackers are believed to have stolen about $1.7 billion worth of digital assets from Wazirx and Bybit’s cryptocurrency exchange in 2024 and 2025 alone. They have also become more refined by infiltrating financial institutions using phishing scams, fake job ads and malware.

Earlier this month, US-based Crypto Exchange Kraken revealed that a North Korean hacker tried to be hired for forged a job application and pretended to be an engineer, but was eventually exposed by a security specialist at the company who suspected his background during the recruitment process.

In April, Google revealed that tech workers linked to North Korea had begun to infiltrate blockchain companies outside the US. Following an increase in scrutiny and government research there, it targets UK and European Union member states.