Members of the Army's 32nd Infantry Division participate in an anti-terrorism drill at Government Complex Sejong, March 19. The National Intelligence Service has warned of possible terrorist attacks targeting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled to be held in Korea this year. Newsis

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has warned of possible terrorist attacks targeting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be held in South Korea this year.

In its terrorism report published Wednesday, the spy agency urged the government to take precautions against the possible risk of terrorism ahead of the November event, where world leaders will gather for talks on trade and future technologies.

"With a large number of world leaders expected to attend the APEC Summit, the world will be watching closely. This raises the possibility of terrorism. In particular, threats of attacks by international terrorist groups targeting Asia-Pacific leaders, North Korea's hacking attempts and sabotage attempts by other organizations are expected to be the most significant risks," the NIS said.

The forum will take place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, where representatives from the 21 APEC members, including U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as business leaders from around the world, are expected to attend.

To ensure the safety of all participants, the government needs to step up efforts amid rising threats of terrorism in and outside of Korea, the NIS said.

"An increasing number of South Koreans who are susceptible to the propaganda and incitement of international terrorist organizations may use cryptocurrencies to fund their activities. There is also a concern that members of such organizations may infiltrate the country by disguising themselves as asylum-seekers," the agency said.

Some foreign individuals linked to terrorism were arrested and convicted in South Korea last year. For example, a man from a Central Asian country was sentenced to 18 months in prison for providing funds to Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, a terrorist group active in Syria. Another foreign national was arrested on Dec. 26 after being deported from the U.S. for allegedly sending cryptocurrency to the group while in South Korea.

Open threats against prominent figures and South Korea's critical infrastructure have also been uncovered, including threats to destroy a hospital in January, a train station in May and a concert venue in November, according to the NIS.

North Korea may not carry out a direct attack on the South, but it could support efforts to undermine and weaken the government in Seoul by using deepfake tools, artificial intelligence and other new technologies for psychological warfare, the agency said.

"We hope that this report will be useful in raising awareness of terrorism among the public, helping relevant organizations to carry out their work and ensuring the safety of companies and citizens overseas against terror threats," the NIS said in a statement released Thursday.