South Korea's normally publicity-shy intelligence agency is creating a stir among liberal groups with a "spot the spy" flash videogame offering a variety of prizes.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is hosting the game on its website (www.nis111.co.kr) to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War on 25 June 1950.

The game, which runs from 22 June to 21 July, challenges users to pick out spies and those who sympathise with communist North Korea.

Two hundred lucky winners will receive laptop computers, digital cameras and game consoles. Bloggers who link the game to their personal web pages will get premium watches.

"This is designed to promote public awareness about security" especially among "young people who do not know North Korea well," an NIS spokesperson told AFP.

He refused comment on criticism by some liberal groups that it could spread the perception that pro-unification activists are potential spies.

The game asks users to keep a close eye on those who praise North Korea, and on reunification activists who frequently mention economic cooperation and family reunions between the two Koreas.

AFP

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