Court upholds permanent entry ban on Chinese tycoon

By Kim Jae-heun

A Seoul court ruled against a Chinese business leader's request for the lifting of a permanent entry ban on him due to his sex crimes against Korean employees.

According to judicial circles, Sunday, the Seoul Administrative Court dismissed the Chinese chairman's of Jeshing Group's lawsuit filed against the head of the immigration office, which banned him from entering Korea ever again.

The man was being investigated by the prosecution over the charge of sexual assault and harassment of two Korean women who worked as his private flight attendant and secretary.

Prosecutors suspended the indictment of the man when the victims decided not to press charges despite the confirmation of his crimes.

However, the immigration authorities slapped the man with a permanent entry ban and then he lodged a suit against the immigration office.

“According to the prosecution's investigation, it clearly explains the plaintiff molested the victims using his position at work. There is a concern that he could commit acts against public safety and the national interest if allowed into the country,” the court ruled.

The businessman argued that the sexual assault took place in China and he has no prior criminal record but the judge said it did not matter.

The man had a plan to build a luxury hotel on Jeju Island, together with a Korean partner. He argued that if he is banned from entering the country, it could lead to Korea's economic loss.

However, the court said the public interest gained from banning a plaintiff who molested Korean citizens outweighs any potential business gains.