The South Korean National Intelligence service (NIS) was formally established in 1961 during the reign of President Park Chung-hee. The agency had the responsibilities of coordinating and supervising the domestic and international intelligence activities as well as investigating crimes by the use of all the intelligence agencies of the government (Oh, Hassig & Asia Society, 2002). The agency had powers that gave it the authority to intercede in politics.
The agency has had numerous strategic struggles that have seen its name changed more than ones from Korean Central Intelligence Agency to Agency for National Security Planning to the current one which is National Intelligence Service. The arrival of democracy in South Korea saw the agency lose some of its powers and duties in response to criticisms from the public regarding its past wrongdoings (Oh, Hassig & Asia Society, 2002). The strategic struggles that the agency faces have been about the appropriate powers that it should have and the responsibilities that fit the institution.
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It is imperative to note that the intelligence agency has had its successes by carrying out the mandates that the law allows it to conduct. Such roles include collecting, compiling, and distributing domestic and foreign information concerning the safety of the public against the plans to overthrow a government as well as plans against communists (In Timmermann, 2013). Additionally, the agency has been victorious in protecting the country’s top secrets and also protecting the country and its citizens against foreign hostility.
On the other hand, it can be noted that the intelligence agency has had its challenges. It was broadly used during the reign of President Park in disrupting and suppressing the pro movements of North Korea and those who were anti-government (In Timmermann, 2013). It also disrupted and suppressed the protesting university students and the activities of the Koreans who were in the overseas. It also had the reputation of interfering with international and home politics. As such, the agency was considered as dwelling in the activities that does not associate with its original charter which was in the Act Concerning Protection of Military Secrets. As a result, South Korea almost broke its diplomatic relations with other countries because of the agency’s activities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the agency has been triumphant in carrying out its duties that deal with the investigation of crimes and protecting the citizens and the government against any harm. The organization needs to carry out the activities that are outlined in its charter for it to improve.
References
Oh, K., Hassig, R. C., & Asia Society. (2002). Korea briefing: 2000-2001 : first steps toward reconciliation and reunification . Armonk, N.Y: Sharpe.
In Timmermann, H. (2013). The Future a Memory: The Cold War and Intelligence Services- Aspects
