Security of nation is at center stage during forum

Improving security in Korea was the focus yesterday at the National Assembly during a forum sponsored by the Korea Security Science Association. The discussion, with 15 participants, focused on ways to heighten people’s awareness of national security, which has received a spike in attention after last year’s attacks by the North Korea.

“Security has been a big issue after the sinking of the Cheonan, the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island and the recent nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant,” said Park Jun-seok, president of the security association, who added that this was the nation’s first opportunity to hold a forum on the subject at the National Assembly.

When asked why the association had chosen the particular venue, Park said security issues need to be discussed and the nation’s policies can’t be exempt.

“The government’s bureaus, everyone, has their own policy for security,” he said. “The laws in our country regarding security overlap each other .?.?. and we are here today to discuss how we can improve that.”

Park stressed that the event had no ulterior political motive, but was for a fair discussion among parties. Participants were from various bureaus, including the Korea Institute for Crisis Management Analysis, the crisis safety bureau of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the Asian Association of Police Parties.

Speakers discussed the government’s response to security crises, security of public areas - including high-rise structures and large events - and public projects for safety of the general public. The event was hosted by Representatives Kim Jeong-kweon of the Grand National Party and Baek Won-woo of the Democratic Party - both are on the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee.

By Christine Kim [christine.kim@joongang.co.kr]