South Korea

Capital of South Korea: Seoul

President: Yoon Suk Yeo

Agenda: “Combating the Spread of Terrorism and Violent Extremism”

Current News in South Korea:

● The flooding and landslides in South Korea have been caused by torrential rains that have
been falling for the past few days. The rains have been the heaviest in decades, and they
have caused widespread damage. The hardest-hit areas are in the southern part of the
country, where the rains have caused rivers to overflow and dams to burst.

● The North Korean missile tests have been condemned by the United States, South Korea, and
Japan. The tests have raised tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and they have led to fears
that North Korea is preparing for a nuclear test. The United States and South Korea have
responded to the tests by conducting joint military exercises.

● The economic challenges facing South Korea are a result of a number of factors, including
the global economic slowdown, the trade war between the United States and China, and the
 country's own aging population. The government has taken steps to address these
challenges, such as cutting taxes and increasing spending on infrastructure. However, it
remains to be seen whether these steps will be enough to turn the economy around.

● The social challenges facing South Korea are also complex and interrelated. The growing gap
between rich and poor is a result of a number of factors, including the country's rapid
economic growth and the government's focus on economic development at the expense of
social welfare. The aging population is a result of the country's low birthrate and its
increasing life expectancy. The declining birthrate is a result of a number of factors,
including the high cost of living, the long working hours, and the lack of affordable childcare.

● These are just some of the current affairs in South Korea. The country is facing a number of
challenges, but it is also a resilient country with a strong economy and a vibrant culture. I
am confident that South Korea will be able to overcome these challenges and continue to be
a successful country in the years to come.

Background Information:
Let me start by reiterating Korea’s firm position that terrorism cannot be tolerated or
justified under any circumstances.Terrorism is a severe breach of international law because it not
only claims innocent lives but also poses a major danger to world peace and security. The Republic
of Korea strongly emphasizes the value of group efforts in the fight against terrorism and condemns
terrorism in all its expressions and forms. In light of this, my delegation would like to draw attention
to three things.

Firstly, we should recognize that terrorism transcends borders. South Korea emphasizes the
importance of international cooperation guided by the rule of law and the UN Global Counter
Terrorism Strategy (GCTS). As a State Party to numerous multilateral legal instruments, South Korea
is fully committed to implementing them and relevant UN resolutions. Efforts to prevent terrorist
financing, while ensuring fair trial and due process, are underway. South Korea supports the
development of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

South Korea advocates for enhanced cooperation to prevent terrorists' use of emerging
technologies. While acknowledging the potential of new technologies to combat terrorism, the
country also acknowledges their exploitation by terrorists. By sharing information and building
capacity, South Korea aims to combat evolving threats.

South Korea underscores the importance of a holistic, long-term strategy to fight terrorism,
especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on society. The pandemic's social grievances
could lead to isolation and vulnerability to violent extremism. South Korea believes in enhancing
resilience and inclusiveness within societies to address the drivers of violent extremism.
Additionally, South Korea supports the use of sports and its values to prevent violent extremism and
has contributed to the 'Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of
Sports and Its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism.'

South Korea reaffirms its commitment to supporting counter-terrorism activities and the
UN's role in combating terrorism. The country is ready to engage and take action in this regard.

South Korea has a relatively low level of terrorism and violence extremism, but there have
been a number of incidents over the years. The most common types of terrorism used in South
Korea have been bombings, shootings, hijackings, and kidnappings.

Some of the most notable terrorist attacks in South Korea include:

The bombing of a Korean Airlines passenger flight in 1987, which killed 115 people. The
attack was carried out by North Korea.
The bombing of the Seoul subway in 2005, which killed 19 people and injured more than
150. The attack was carried out by a South Korean man who was inspired by radical Islamic
ideology.
The shooting of a group of US soldiers in 2015, which killed two people and injured five. The
attack was carried out by a South Korean man who was motivated by anti-American sentiment.
In addition to these major attacks, there have been a number of other smaller incidents of
terrorism and violence extremism in South Korea. These incidents have been carried out by a
variety of groups, including North Korea, radical Islamic groups, and South Korean domestic
extremists.

The South Korean government has taken a number of steps to counter terrorism and
violence extremism, including:

● Increasing security at public places

● Working with international partners to share intelligence
● Raising awareness of the threat of terrorism
● Providing support to victims of terrorism
These measures have helped to reduce the threat of terrorism in South Korea, but the
country remains vulnerable to attack. The South Korean government is continuing to work to
improve its counterterrorism capabilities in order to protect its citizens from terrorism and
violence extremism.

Here are some of the key drivers of terrorism and violence extremism in South Korea:

● Political instability: South Korea has a history of political instability, which has
created an environment that is conducive to terrorism and violence extremism.
 ● Economic inequality: South Korea has a high level of economic inequality, which
can lead to social unrest and radicalization.
● Religious extremism: There is a small but vocal minority of religious extremists in
South Korea who promote violence.
● Cyber-extremism: The internet has made it easier for extremists to recruit and
radicalize followers.
The South Korean government is working to address these drivers of terrorism and violence
extremism. However, it is a complex challenge and there is no easy solution.

Terrorism Index in South Korea

The Terrorism Index in South Korea is a numerical measurement that assesses the level of
terrorism threat within the country. It is calculated based on various indicators and factors related
to terrorism and violent extremist activities. The index ranges from 0 to a higher number, where
higher values indicate a higher perceived risk or threat of terrorism.

According to the data, from 2002 until 2021, the average Terrorism Index in South Korea
was 0.57 points. In 2003, the country experienced a peak in the Terrorism Index, reaching 2.62
points, indicating a relatively higher threat perception during that year. On the other hand, in 2011,
the Terrorism Index reached a record low of 0.00 points, suggesting a period with a minimal
perceived threat of terrorism.

The data provided indicates that South Korea experienced fluctuations in its Terrorism
Index over the years, with varying levels of perceived terrorism threats. It's important to note that
these fluctuations could be influenced by various factors, including domestic and international
security situations, geopolitical developments, and counterterrorism measures.
 The latest available data on the Terrorism Index in South Korea was last updated in July
2023. For a more comprehensive understanding of the current terrorism threat situation in South
Korea, it would be best to refer to official sources, security assessments, and analysis conducted by
relevant government agencies and international organizations specializing in counterterrorism.

South Korea has a relatively low level of terrorism and violence extremism, and the number
of incidents has been declining in recent years. There are a number of factors that have contributed
to this reduction, including:

● Strong government counterterrorism measures: The South Korean government

has taken a number of steps to counter terrorism and violence extremism, including
increasing security at public places, working with international partners to share
intelligence, raising awareness of the threat of terrorism, and providing support to
victims of terrorism.
● Open and democratic society: South Korea's open and democratic society makes it
difficult for extremists to operate. The government has a strong track record of
protecting freedom of speech and assembly, which helps to prevent the spread of
extremist ideology.
● Strong social cohesion: South Korea has a strong sense of social cohesion, which
helps to prevent radicalization. The government has invested in programs that
promote social inclusion and tolerance, which helps to create a more resilient
society.
● Economic prosperity: South Korea is a relatively prosperous country, which helps
to reduce the risk of radicalization. People who are economically well-off are less
likely to be drawn to extremist ideologies
.
Despite these positive trends, it is important to note that South Korea remains vulnerable to
terrorism and violence extremism. The country's proximity to North Korea, a state sponsor of
terrorism, poses a significant threat. Additionally, the rise of social media and the internet has made
it easier for extremists to recruit and radicalize followers.

The South Korean government is committed to continuing to work to reduce the threat of
terrorism and violence extremism. The government is investing in new counterterrorism measures,
such as improving intelligence sharing and increasing security at critical infrastructure. The
government is also working to raise awareness of the threat of terrorism among the South Korean
public.

By working together, the South Korean government and civil society can help to keep the
country safe from the threats of terrorism and violence extremism.
The National Policies South Korea is Implementing:

South Korea has implemented several policies and measures to combat the spread of
terrorism and violent extremism. These policies are aimed at enhancing national security,
preventing radicalization, and promoting international cooperation. Some key aspects of South
Korea's policies on combating terrorism and violent extremism include:

● International Cooperation: South Korea recognizes that terrorism is a global issue that
cannot be effectively addressed by any single country alone. As such, the country
emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in countering
terrorism. South Korea actively participates in various international initiatives, shares
intelligence with partner nations, and supports multilateral efforts to combat terrorism.

● Legal Framework: South Korea has established a robust legal framework to address
terrorism and violent extremism. The country is a State Party to numerous multilateral legal
instruments on counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. It is committed to
implementing these instruments and relevant UN resolutions to effectively combat terrorist
financing and prevent terrorist acts.

● Preventive Measures: South Korea places strong emphasis on preventive measures to

counter radicalization and violent extremism. The country believes in addressing the root
causes of extremism and reducing the risk of individuals being radicalized. Social cohesion,
interfaith dialogue, and community engagement are promoted as means to tackle the
underlying drivers of extremism.

● Countering Online Radicalization: South Korea actively counters online radicalization and
extremist propaganda. The country collaborates with tech companies and content
regulators to monitor and block extremist content on the internet and social media
platforms.

● Comprehensive Response System: South Korea has developed a comprehensive national

emergency response system for terrorism-related events. The system is structured into
specific divisions that handle different types of terrorist incidents, ensuring a coordinated
and efficient response.
● Sports as a Tool for Prevention: South Korea recognizes the value of sports and its values in
preventing violent extremism. The country has contributed to the 'Global Programme on
Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sports and Its Values as a Tool to
Prevent Violent Extremism,' demonstrating its commitment to using sports to promote
peace and inclusiveness.

It's important to note that policies and strategies related to counterterrorism may continue
to evolve and adapt based on changing security challenges and global trends. For the most
up-to-date information on South Korea's policies on combating the spread of terrorism and violent
extremism, it's advisable to refer to official government sources and recent policy documents.

Position Paper:

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed delegates, and honorable Chair,

Today, as we gather in the Model United Nations i am representing South Korea in the UNSC,
we address the critical issue of Combating the Spread of Terrorism and Violent Extremism.
Terrorism poses a significant threat to global peace and security, and South Korea remains steadfast
in its commitment to addressing this danger.

Over the years, South Korea has made significant strides in countering terrorism and violent
extremism. According to the Terrorism Index, South Korea's average score from 2002 to 2021 was
0.57 points. Notably, in 2003, the country experienced a peak with a Terrorism Index of 2.62 points,
indicating a higher perceived threat during that period. However, we have consistently worked to
address these challenges, as evidenced by the record low Terrorism Index of 0.00 points in 2011,
demonstrating our dedication to tackling this issue effectively.

On October 9, 1983, a North Korean terrorist group attempted to assassinate the South
Korean President, Chun Doo-hwan, during his visit to Rangoon, Myanmar (formerly Burma). The
North Korean agents targeted President Chun's delegation at the Martyrs' Mausoleum, where they
used a bomb concealed in a flower arrangement. The assassination attempt killed 17 South Korean
government officials and injured several others, but President Chun survived the attack.

This act of terrorism, perpetrated by North Korea, was a significant event that strained the
already tense relations between the two Koreas. It served as a reminder of the ongoing security
challenges faced by South Korea and the broader implications of terrorism on regional stability.

Through enhanced international cooperation and intelligence sharing, South Korea has
strengthened its security measures to prevent and respond to potential threats. Recognizing the
importance of addressing the root causes of extremism, our nation focuses on preventive measures
to counter radicalization and promote social cohesion. Moreover, South Korea actively supports
initiatives to counter online radicalization and extremist propaganda, as evident in our
collaborations with tech companies and content regulators to monitor and block extremist content
on the internet and social media platforms.

While we have achieved progress in our efforts, we remain vigilant, knowing that the threat
of terrorism constantly evolves. As a responsible member of the international community, South
Korea is committed to working closely with other nations and relevant UN bodies to ensure a
coordinated and effective response to terrorism and violent extremism.

In conclusion, South Korea stands united with the international community in our
determination to combat terrorism. By fostering international cooperation, implementing
preventive measures, and countering online radicalization, we can create a safer and more secure
world for all.