Hanoi: More than half of South Korean companies operating in Vietnam have experienced technology theft by their employees this year, a state-funded research institute reported. The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) conducted a survey among 335 Korean firms with operations in Vietnam between July and October to assess the business environment in the Southeast Asian market.According to Yonhap News Agency, nearly 55 percent of the surveyed companies revealed they "have experienced technology leaks and threats" from foreign and Korean employees, rival companies, and others in Vietnam. This figure marks a significant increase from the 34.6 percent reported last year in South Korea's third-largest trading partner.The survey further disclosed that foreign employees were responsible for 28.3 percent of the technology theft incidents, followed by partner firms and rival firms at 22.1 percent each, while Korean employees accounted for 20.4 percent. By industry, most automobile and component companies, along with 42.9 percent of petrochemical firms, indicated foreign employees were involved in technology leaks. In contrast, 40 percent of semiconductor companies reported Korean workers were the perpetrators of technology theft and blackmail.More than half of the companies attributed the technology leaks to inadequate security in personnel and document management. KIET emphasized the need for companies to enhance their security measures and called for government support in the form of technology protection guidelines, security system consulting services, and a guidebook to assist companies in international legal disputes.
- October 12, 2026
