– Contributing to the Development of International Norms in Cyberspace and Laying the Foundation for Future Discussions as a Leading Cyber Nation –

1. The government of the Republic of Korea announced its official position on the application of international law in cyberspace during the 11th substantive session (July 7-11) of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies* (OEWG on ICTs), held in New York on Monday, July 7 (local time).

* The OEWG, established in 2021, is a key platform for comprehensive discussion among all UN Member States and stakeholders on developing norms, fostering inter-state cooperation, and building trust in cyber domain.

2. In its position paper, the Republic of Korea reaffirms the view that existing international norms and customary international law generally recognized by the international community are applicable to cyberspace. The statement emphasizes the applicability in the cyberspace of state sovereignty, the principle of the prohibition on the use of force, and states’ obligations under international human rights law.

3. It also outlines that states may bear international legal responsibility for their cyber activities that meet certain criteria, and that, in situations where cyber activities lead to armed conflict, international humanitarian law would apply.

4. As cyberspace serves as the foundation for communication, economic activity, and various other aspects of daily life of individual human beings, its significance to national security has grown substantially. However, despite the expanding scope of state behavior in cyberspace, universally accepted international norms remain underdeveloped. As a result, there is a growing need to develop relevant norms.

5. In response, a growing number of countries have been issuing national position papers on how international law applies to cyberspace, thereby contributing to the accumulation of state practice necessary for the formation of international norms.

※ As of June 2025, 32 countries — including the United States, China, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand — as well as regional organizations such as the European Union and the African Union have issued position papers.

6. To actively participate in these international discussions, the Republic of Korea has conducted expert consultations, inter-agency reviews, and stakeholder meetings to ensure that its position reflects national interests and contributes meaningfully to the development of international law and norms in cyberspace.

7. This announcement is expected to lead Korea to play a bigger role as a responsible and leading cyber nation through proactive contribution to the development of international norms in cyberspace and establishment of a solid foundation for future discussions.

8. Going forward, the Republic of Korea will continue to engage constructively in addressing global challenges such as cybersecurity, and play a leading role in shaping international norms in this domain, thereby enhancing its standing in the international community.

Attachment: National Position of the Republic of Korea on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace