Forests and mountain ranges near locations where South Korean president Moon Jae-in is scheduled to make an appearance will be closely inspected using drones equipped with HD and thermal imaging cameras. (Image: Pyeongchang Organizing Committee)
SEOUL, Feb . 5 (Korea Bizwire) — Man and machine will work in tandem to ensure the safety of dignitaries visiting South Korea for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics starting this week, the head security team promised via a press release on February 4.
“A scientific security approach using cutting-edge technology will be implemented for foreign dignitaries visiting the country during the Olympics,” the document stated.
Forests and mountain ranges near locations where South Korean president Moon Jae-in is scheduled to make an appearance will be closely inspected using drones equipped with HD and thermal imaging cameras.
With eyes in the air, the security team will be able to reduce the number of staff deployments normally required to scope out the terrain, a boon for all involved considering the frigid temperatures. The security team added that this would mark the first time it has incorporated drones into a safekeeping mission.
Since drones could be used in a terror attack, radar networks will be installed in areas considered most likely to be targeted. When an unidentified UAV is detected, security forces in place will immediately move to counter the potential threat.
A vehicle capable of detecting and identifying 400 different hazardous substances and chemical warfare agents within a 5km distance, and portable equipment that detects all chemical warfare agents ever developed will be part of the security team’s arsenal throughout the Olympics.
Man and machine will work in tandem to ensure the safety of dignitaries visiting South Korea for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics starting this week, the head security team promised via a press release on February 4. (Image: Pyeongchang Organizing Committee)
Other technologies to be applied to assist in operations are real-time tracking of VIPs’ vehicles when traveling, a geographic information system displaying satellite and aerial imagery that would reveal the potential hiding spots of snipers, and the latest in technical surveillance countermeasures (bug sweeping) to guard against eavesdropping and wiretapping.
The head security team said it is working with foreign security counterparts in its preparation for the Olympics. Security details from both the United States and Russia have already visited South Korea to conduct on-site inspections.
The opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics is scheduled for February 9. Competitions for luge, biathlon and ski jumping begin on February 7.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
