How Many Online Government Services Have Been Restored After the Data Centre Fire in South Korea?
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Synopsis
The recent fire at a South Korean state data centre led to significant disruptions in government services. However, recovery efforts are progressing, with over 33% of services now restored. This article unpacks the implications of this incident and the ongoing restoration efforts.
Key Takeaways
- 33.6% of online services restored so far.
- Fire caused by lithium-ion battery explosion.
- Recovery includes critical services for users.
- Government's swift action to restore functionality.
- Investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing.
Seoul, Oct 11 (NationPress) Over 33 percent of the government’s online administrative services impacted by a fire at a state data centre last month have been successfully restored, officials reported on Saturday.
As of 6 a.m., 238 out of 709 services affected by the fire at the National Information Resources Service (NIRS) in Daejeon have been brought back online, indicating a restoration rate of 33.6 percent, according to Yonhap news agency.
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters confirmed that the newly restored services encompass the privacy regulator’s functionality for monitoring personal data leaks and the labor ministry’s system for managing fines.
Currently, 30 out of 40 essential “Grade 1” services, which are critical based on user impact and demand, have been restored.
The fire at NIRS ignited due to an explosion of a lithium-ion battery in a server room on Sept. 26 and was fully extinguished the following day. Authorities are investigating the precise cause of the incident.
Among the services that have returned to operation are the Public Procurement Service’s next-generation comprehensive shopping mall, the interior ministry’s central permanent records management system, the finance ministry’s National Assembly business support system, and the land ministry’s real estate administration intelligence system.
During the extended week of Chuseok festivities that commenced last Friday, a total of 47 systems were restored to normal functionality. The fire, which started from a lithium-ion battery explosion, caused significant disruption.
On Friday, President Lee Jae Myung visited the state data centre that was severely affected by the fire to oversee recovery initiatives, as per the presidential office.
Lee’s visit to the National Information Resources Service in Daejeon coincided with the government’s intensified efforts to restore online services following the fire, which compromised essential data storage systems.
Point of View
The swift recovery of over 33% of the affected online government services highlights the resilience and commitment of South Korea to restore functionality post-crisis. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with digital infrastructure and the importance of proactive measures.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of online services have been restored?
As of now, over 33.6% of the affected online government services have been restored.
What caused the fire at the data centre?
The fire was caused by an explosion of a lithium-ion battery in a server room.
How many services were affected by the fire?
A total of 709 services were impacted by the fire at the National Information Resources Service.
When did the fire occur?
The fire began on September 26 and was extinguished the following day.
Who inspected the data centre after the fire?
President Lee Jae Myung visited the state data centre to oversee recovery efforts.
