Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Can Impose Administrative Sanctions Such as Passport Invalidation"
Lee Geun "Stop Wasting Time and Focus on Support Instead" Pushback
A photo posted on the 7th by former Navy Special Warfare Group officer and YouTuber Lee Geun on his social media account. / Photo by Lee Geun Instagram capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Controversy has erupted after former Navy Special Warfare Command officer and YouTuber Lee Geun, who departed to join the Ukrainian International Volunteer Army, told the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to "consider support measures." Critics argue that it is inappropriate for Lee, who ignored the government's travel ban and left the country, to post messages seemingly demanding government support.
On the 7th, Lee wrote on his Instagram account, "Instead of wasting time invalidating our passports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should consider how to provide support," adding, "I have continuously requested night vision goggles but have not received export approval. Therefore, I am trying to obtain night vision goggles support from the U.S. government."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in an official press release that day, "Entering Ukraine without authorization constitutes a violation of the Passport Act and may result in criminal punishment and administrative sanctions on the passport," explaining, "According to Article 26 of the Passport Act, violators may face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW, or administrative sanctions such as orders to return the current passport, passport invalidation, refusal or restriction of new passport issuance."
It is reported that former Captain Lee recently forced his departure, stating that he would join the Ukrainian International Volunteer Army. / Photo by Lee Geun, Instagram capture
Among netizens who saw Lee’s post, voices of criticism emerged. They pointed out that it is unreasonable to expect support after ignoring the government’s warnings and forcibly departing. Comments included, "Don’t demand support from the country while doing what it forbids," "He is not on official duty but a civilian," and "Why would a volunteer soldier expect support from another country?"
On the other hand, some expressed support, saying, "I hope he returns safely," and "Even if the departure method is controversial, the decision to risk one’s life for people of another country is not easy."
Previously, Lee had announced on Instagram his intention to join the Ukrainian International Volunteer Army. He emphasized, "When the Ukrainian president called for help worldwide, ROKSEAL immediately prepared for volunteer missions," adding, "We cannot just stand by without helping using our skills, knowledge, and expertise."
Currently, the government has issued a 'Level 4 Travel Alert' banning travel to all areas of Ukraine. To depart for Ukraine, one must obtain 'exceptional passport use' permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is granted only if the traveler is ▲a permanent resident of the destination country, ▲engaged in reporting or coverage, ▲has urgent humanitarian reasons (such as death or equivalent accident/illness of family residing locally), or ▲is on official duty.
It is reported that more than 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries around the world, including former Captain Lee Geun, have been recruited in Ukraine. / Photo by Lee Geun Instagram capture
Lee appears to have departed without obtaining exceptional passport use permission.
Regarding this, Lee claimed, "I felt strong opposition from the Korean government, which caused friction. We were threatened that entering a travel-ban country would make us criminals," adding, "If I return alive, I will take full responsibility and accept any punishment."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially called for foreign volunteers to join on the 26th of last month (local time). At that time, he appealed, "Anyone who wants to participate in defending Ukraine, please come," and said, "They are all heroes of the nation."
Currently, the Ukrainian military authorities have established the 'International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine' and are recruiting foreign volunteers. A related website that handles the volunteer application process for foreigners has also been launched.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, about 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries worldwide have been recruited to the International Legion so far.
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