The 22nd National Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting was held on January 20, 2026, at the Government Complex Seoul, marking the 10th anniversary of South Korea’s Counter-Terrorism Act and the committee’s establishment. The session was convened amid heightened domestic and international security concerns, with recent terror attacks abroad and the notable Gadukdo attack on President Lee Jae-myung during his tenure as party leader. The committee emphasized the ongoing threat of terrorism to both public safety and the nation’s democratic values, referencing past incidents that have deeply impacted the country. The government reaffirmed its commitment to thoroughly review and enhance the national counter-terrorism system to ensure the safety of its citizens and the integrity of Korean democracy.
Chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, the meeting included 20 heads of relevant agencies as stipulated by Article 5 of the Counter-Terrorism Act. Key agenda items included the official designation of the Gadukdo attack as a terror incident—the first such government-level designation since the law’s enactment in 2016. The committee also reviewed the 2026 National Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, the establishment of a public-private Counter-Terrorism Innovation Task Force, and the designation of major national events for 2026-2027. Agencies such as the National Intelligence Service, National Police Agency, National Fire Agency, military counterintelligence, and the National Forensic Service participated in the joint investigation of the Gadukdo incident.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok highlighted the significance of the Gadukdo attack, stating it was an unacceptable event in a democratic nation like South Korea. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the counter-terrorism framework and requested the reactivation of a joint investigation team to ensure a thorough inquiry. The committee confirmed, through legal review, that the attack met the criteria for terrorism under the Counter-Terrorism Act and could be officially designated as such by committee resolution. Subsequent measures include further investigation, enhanced protection for key figures during election periods, and a broad review of related laws and systems to prevent recurrence.
Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, innovate counter-terrorism operations, and ensure the safety of major events such as the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. The newly formed public-private innovation task force will address legislative, organizational, and budgetary improvements. With the designation of ten major national and international events for 2026, including the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan and the Busan International Film Festival, authorities will implement robust anti-terrorism measures. These efforts underscore South Korea’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and safeguard both its citizens and democratic institutions.