In a surprising turn of events, members of North Korea’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), tasked with safeguarding state secrets, have been found to be among the violators of the 2023 State Secrets Protection Law. A comprehensive review identified over 100 breaches in South Hwanghae Province alone, raising concerns about the effectiveness of internal discipline within the MSS.
The year-end assessment revealed that more than 30 cases resulted in disciplinary actions such as warnings, severe warnings, transfers, dismissals, demotions, and other penalties. This revelation has created a tense atmosphere within the MSS, the country’s secret police agency.
Sources speaking anonymously for security reasons disclosed that the findings were presented during a year-end training session by the province’s MSS branch on December 9. The training covered various topics, including conducting lectures, managing internal instructions, handling and storing secret documents, and regulations related to document transport. Notably, the session included a review of MSS officials who violated the State Secrets Protection Law in 2023.
The origins of the law trace back to Kim Jong Un’s directives at an expanded meeting of the Workers’ Party Secretariat in June of the previous year. Following this, the 24th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly adopted an ordinance on February 2, 2023, to protect state secrets.
Despite being entrusted with the responsibility of managing sensitive information, MSS officials seem to be involved in leaking information, casting doubt on the strength of internal discipline. The recent review results indicate potential weaknesses in the organization’s internal controls.
The provincial MSS branch reportedly aimed to raise awareness among lower branches about the gravity of the issue. Agents were urged to strictly adhere to the State Secrets Protection Law, starting with themselves. The emphasis on secrecy surrounding violations and punishments suggests an effort to prevent public discontent.
In a bid to control the narrative, the source mentioned that officials stressed treating information about violations as state secrets, preventing public disclosure of details. Regarding the application of the law to ordinary citizens, officials cautioned against hasty law enforcement, emphasizing a thorough evaluation of circumstances to avoid creating a divide between the masses and the party.
To address issues arising from the law’s implementation, officials suggested strengthening controls without causing public panic. Notably, the MSS training emphasized the need for ministry officials and their families to connect with ordinary people. Despite a seemingly conciliatory tone towards violators, the atmosphere among MSS officials remains tense, with concerns about potential surveillance among colleagues in the coming year.