I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
4 detainees in China have consular access
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Four South Korean human rights activists held in the northeastern town of Dandong, China since late March were given consular access Monday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The foreign ministry said three South Korean consuls met the four detainees, including high-profile activist Kim Young-hwan, for 40 minutes from 2:10 p.m. at a detention center there.
“The four were seen as having no major health problems,” it said.
The foreign ministry declined to give details of the interviews, saying it would be inappropriate to elaborate on their status as the Chinese authorities’ investigation is still underway.
China allowed the four to have access after facing mounting pressure from South Korea, as well as the international community, to release them.
The authorities there, meanwhile, reportedly updated the status of the four, stating that their investigation is nearing an end.
According to media reports, a South Korean official based in China recently obtained the information from Chinese officials.
Once the investigation is over, the Chinese authorities could indict, release or deport them. It remains uncertain how Beijing will treat the four detainees.
Kim and three other activists were arrested in the northeastern city of Dalian by Chinese officials from the state security ministry in late March on suspicions of “espionage and being a threat to national security.”
Shortly after this, they were sent to Dandong, near the border with North Korea, and have been held there for 76 days. They have been denied access to a lawyer. Among the four, only Kim saw a consular official before the interview held Monday.
The four South Koreans helped North Korean refugees in the China’s northeastern provinces, who live in fear of repatriation.
Meanwhile, their family members and fellow human rights activists in the South are scheduled to submit a request for the release of the detainees to President Lee Myung-bak.
According to the activists, the request was handwritten by Kim Bo-yeon, 39, wife of Kang Shin-san who is one of the four detainees.
It contains a desperate request for the immediate release of the four, asking President Lee to take some action.
They will head to Cheong Wa Dae after holding a press conference.