"Trying to Get a Job at an Onion Farm"... 2 More Chinese Illegal Immigrants Caught in Taean

A small motorboat discovered on the beach in Taean-gun, Chungnam, last month on the 23rd following a resident's report. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy (Taean) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Two Chinese nationals who illegally entered Taean, Chungnam, were apprehended.

According to Taean Coast Guard on the 1st, Chinese nationals A (33) and B (37) were caught consecutively on the 29th and 30th of last month in Mokpo, Jeonnam. They were confirmed to be part of the group of Chinese national C (43), who was caught illegally entering the country in Mokpo on the 26th of last month.

C and six others departed from Weihai, Shandong Province, China, around 8 p.m. on the 20th of last month aboard a 1.5-ton leisure boat, arriving the next day off the coast of Taean, then took a pre-arranged van to Mokpo.

The Coast Guard believes that A and others illegally entered the country to work at onion farms and other places in Jeonnam. It was also investigated that they had previous work experience in South Korea.

A Coast Guard official stated, "It appears that A and others meticulously conspired in advance with acquaintances in the country (presumed to be Chinese) to illegally enter the country," adding, "Their purpose for illegal entry was 'employment,' and it was confirmed that they collected 10,000 yuan (approximately 1.7 million KRW) per person in Chinese currency to purchase motorboats, fuel, and other supplies."

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances of A and others' illegal entry and is considering switching to a public investigation for the five remaining members of the group who have not yet been caught.