Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Chinese teen caught filming Korean jets claims parent is Chinese public security officer
A formation of KF-16 fighter jets participate in an Air Force training exercise, Aug. 21, 2023. The photo image is not related to the article. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Air Force
By Anna J. Park
Police are investigating Chinese teenagers caught illegally photographing fighter jets in Korea and are working to verify one of the teens' claims that their father is a member of the Chinese public security bureau.
According to investigators and local media reports on Tuesday, the teenager was apprehended, along with another Chinese national of a similar age, on the afternoon of March 21 near Suwon Air Base in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. The two were allegedly taking unauthorized photos of fighter jets during takeoff and landing near the air base.
Upon receiving a report from a local resident, police were dispatched to the scene. When they searched the suspects' devices, they discovered numerous photos of fighter jets in flight. They were subsequently booked for violating the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act by illegally photographing military aircraft.
During questioning, investigators obtained a statement from one of the teens, who said, "My father works for the public security bureau."
It was also confirmed that the suspects were high school students from China who entered Korea on tourist visas on March 18, three days before the incident.
Currently, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police, the National Intelligence Service and the Defense Counterintelligence Command have formed a joint task force to investigate the case.
When asked to confirm the claims, a Chinese Embassy official told The Korea Times, "The embassy is unable to verify this at the moment. Issues involving Chinese nationals must be verified through the consulate."
Authorities are also looking into whether the two committed similar offenses near other military installations, airports or key national facilities after entering Korea last month.
In addition, they are investigating potential links to acts of espionage and whether the individuals had previously traveled to Korea.
Particular attention is being paid to the claim that one of the teens' fathers is a member of the Chinese public security bureau. If confirmed, investigators plan to thoroughly examine whether the father gave his child specific instructions. Given that the individuals are minors, authorities reportedly allowed them to speak with their parents during the investigation.
A police official commented, “We cannot disclose any details, as the case is still under investigation.”