Provided is an application program launching method and system for improving security of an embedded Linux kernel by distributing superuser privileges. The method includes: searching security set information on an application program selected by a user; changing a user account for a processor of the application program to a user ID associated with the application program in the security set information; setting a capability for the processor according to setting information for the capability in the security set information; changing a basic directory for the processor according to a basic directory in the security set information; and launching the application program.