South Korea's espionage laws, broadened for the first time in over seven decades, take effect on Sept. 13 as foreign spies increasingly target its chip sector (Daniel Tudor/Financial Times)

South Korea will expand its espionage statutes for the first time in more than 70 years, with the changes becoming law on Sept 13. The revision aims to counter a surge in foreign intelligence activities targeting the nation’s semiconductor industry, reflecting heightened concerns over technology theft.