The Korean National Police Agency said it held the 18th Cyber Public Safety Awards ceremony on the morning of the 19th at the Korean National Police Agency Eoullim Madang in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The Cyber Public Safety Awards were established in 2008 to recognize those in the field who have contributed to safety in cyberspace and to strengthen private-sector cooperation.
This year's presidential citation went to Inspector Lee Dong-yeop of the Korean National Police Agency's Cyber Terror Response Division. Lee, an expert who has worked in cyber investigations for 19 years, was credited with first establishing the nationwide cyber investigation and digital forensics network and the cyber security monitoring center.
The prime minister's citation went to Kim Hong-seok, Head of Team at the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA). Kim was highly recognized for assisting police investigations into information and communications network intrusion crimes, including the SKT hacking case and the LG Uplus personal data leak.
The honor of the Top Cyber Team Award, given to investigative teams with outstanding results, went to the South Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency cyber team. They arrested operators and participants of a gambling site worth 530 billion won.
In addition, there were awards for eight recipients of the Minister of the Interior and Safety citation, 14 recipients of the Korean National Police Agency commissioner's citation and letters of appreciation, five special promotions, and five winning teams from cyber investigation-related contests and competitions.
At the ceremony, Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jae-seong of the Korean National Police Agency said, "We will do our utmost to strengthen the police's capability to respond to cybercrime so we can fully meet the public's expectations," and urged the attending investigators, "Based on justice and a sense of responsibility, please build a safer cyber world."