As the global security market accelerates its transition toward predictive policing, algorithm-driven proactive intervention has become a core imperative for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Aligning with this trend, the 8th Korea Police World Exhibition (KPEX 2026), co-hosted by the Incheon Metropolitan City and the Korean National Police Agency, officially opened on October 21 at Songdo Convensia, running for four days. Centered on the theme "A New Era of K-Policing Driven by AI and Robotics," the event has drawn 245 exhibitors and features approximately 880 standard booths.
To help domestic manufacturers expand their overseas footprint, the organizing committee specially invited 82 buyers from 31 countries to participate in export matchmaking. These business matchmaking sessions cover not only the upgrade of Incheon's CCTV surveillance network and the procurement of correctional systems, but also incorporate financing guidance from the National Security Industry Fund. Furthermore, transnational law enforcement cooperation is a key focus of the gathering. Seizing this opportunity, the Korean National Police Agency convened a plenary meeting of the International Cooperation Consultative Body to deliberate on joint efforts to curb organized crime and cross-border fraud.
In the equipment exhibition zone, cutting-edge innovations are on full display, including forensic investigation instruments, police UAVs, street patrol robots, and deep learning video analytics systems. Departing from traditional static displays, the organizers have entrusted the evaluation process to frontline law enforcement officers. These officers are conducting on-site testing and quantitative assessments of various AI devices, focusing on their adaptability to real-world scenarios, operational mobility, and human-machine interaction experience. This hands-on approach ensures that R&D outcomes precisely align with the demands of actual law enforcement environments.
Highlighting the platform's strategic value, Park Hyun-soo, Director of the Future Police Policy Bureau at the Korean National Police Agency, stated, "KPEX aims to identify advanced technologies and support companies in going global, driving the implementation of these solutions to enhance public safety." On the think tank front, nearly 40 concurrent seminars, including the "2026 SAFE AI Security Summit," are being held to analyze the evolution of regulatory frameworks. For the general public, the organizers have set up interactive experiences such as physical fitness challenges, traffic simulations, and equipment operation demos. Additionally, in partnership with the Incheon Office of Education, they hosted a youth short film festival, ultimately awarding a total of 20 million KRW in prizes to 13 shortlisted entries.