Authorities detain a Taiwanese individual for secretly capturing footage at the National Intelligence Service (NIS) facility
South Korean authorities have been on high alert following a series of incidents involving foreign nationals, primarily Chinese, taking photographs of sensitive government facilities, elevating security concerns in the country.
The latest development came when two Chinese nationals, previously detained for photographing a military base, were apprehended once more just two days later. This marks the 11th instance since June 2024 where such incidents have occurred, according to the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Earlier in May, two Taiwanese nationals were held for allegedly filming U.S. military aircraft and equipment at the Osan Air Power Days event at Osan Air Base. The U.S. military had barred both Taiwanese and Chinese nationals from attending due to past unauthorized photography.
On May 29, a Taiwanese man was arrested for capturing footage inside the NIS building in Seoul. He cited historical interest as the reason for his actions, but law enforcement officials suspected he violated national security laws.
The timeline of such incidents began early in May 2025, and the most recent string of events underscores growing apprehension regarding the unauthorized photography of critical facilities by foreign nationals. It is crucial that these investigations continue to safeguard South Korea's national security interests.
Defense officials are under scrutiny as the number of incidents involving foreign nationals taking photographs of sensitive facilities in South Korea increases. The latest political issue arising from these events is the growing concern about national security, particularly in the realm of general news and crime-and-justice.
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