An Insider’s Perspective on South Korean Counterintelligence

The International Spy Museum has recently put on display North Korean espionage equipment including code tables and a lipstick concealment on loan from the Republic of Korea. For an insider’s perspective on the spycraft of North Korea and the threat the country poses, International Spy Museum Historian and Curator Dr. Andrew Hammond will be interviewing South Korean counterintelligence expert Mr. Ha Dong-hwan.

Ha dedicated his 30-year career in the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of the Republic of Korea to protecting national security by focusing exclusively on espionage investigations. He was the lead investigator in many espionage cases involving North Korea and is considered a top expert in the field.

Since retiring from the NIS in March 2022, he has written a book that vividly reveals the reality of North Korea's espionage activities, aiming to raise South Koreans' awareness about national security. He has also been actively engaged in lectures to promote the importance of national security and espionage investigations.

Tonight’s conversation will explore the realities of the spy war between South Korea and North Korea that has been ongoing for over 70 years. Hammond and Ha will also explore how the threat to national security posed by North Korea's espionage activities continues to this day.

This program is in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

The in-person event will have open seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Assistive listening devices will be available for the in-person program.