North Korea establishes new AI-focused hacking group '227 Research Center'
It has been reported that Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, has ordered the establishment of the '227 Research Center' under the Reconnaissance General Bureau of the military to develop international cyber hacking technology. The center will develop AI-based technology and strengthen information warfare with an eye on overseas.
N. Korea ramps up cyber offensive: New research center to focus on AI-powered hacking - Daily NK English
North Korea launches new unit with a focus on AI hacking, per report | TechCrunch
Daily NK, a news outlet specializing in North Korea, reported that, citing sources within the government, Kim Jong-un ordered the Reconnaissance General Bureau of the Korean People's Army to 'strengthen its overseas intelligence warfare capabilities,' and as part of that, he instructed it to establish the 227 Research Center under its umbrella.
There is a widespread view within the Reconnaissance General Directorate that the 227 Research Center was created to strengthen foreign intelligence gathering, but sources say the center will focus more on developing offensive hacking techniques and programs than on intelligence gathering.
According to the investigation, the center's main missions include researching technologies to disable security networks, developing AI-based information theft techniques, hacking financial assets, and establishing automated programs for information collection and analysis.
Daily NK pointed out, 'Through the 227 Research Center, North Korean authorities appear to be planning to strengthen their hacking capabilities, including neutralizing Western countries' cybersecurity systems, stealing information and assets, and disrupting networks.'
According to the source, this order was issued in late February 2025, and the move to establish the 227 Research Center began on March 9. The 227 Research Center will be separate from the Reconnaissance General Bureau's existing research institute, and will be established in the Mangyongdae District, next to the Kyogyosan District of Pyongyang, where the Reconnaissance General Bureau headquarters is located.
Daily NK pointed out, 'North Korean authorities plan to operate the 227 Research Center 24 hours a day to immediately respond to information obtained from the Reconnaissance General Bureau's hacking groups operating overseas, while concentrating resources and personnel on developing advanced hacking programs. The center is currently selecting personnel, and is planning to hire about 90 computer experts who have graduated with honors from major universities and doctoral programs,' it said.
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