Na Kyungwon: "Administrative Network Paralyzed, Visa-Free Entry Should Be Postponed"
Goh Minjung: "A Classic Case of Ultra-Right Ideology... Stop Fueling Public Anxiety"
Following the fire at the National Intelligence Resources Management Agency, Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, called for the postponement of visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists. Goh Minjung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized this, calling it an "ultra-right-wing idea."
Following the fire at the National Intelligence Resources Management Agency, Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, called for the postponement of visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists.
On the previous day, September 27, Assemblywoman Na expressed her position on Facebook, stating that the government needs to adjust its tourism policy in response to the fire at the Daejeon National Intelligence Resources Management Agency.
She pointed out, "The fire has severely damaged the security administrative computer network, including mobile identification systems," adding, "We are now in a situation where we cannot even properly verify the identities of our own citizens through the national administrative network." She went on to say, "Until thorough restoration and enhanced security measures are in place, we should seriously consider postponing visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists."
Goh Minjung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, for advocating the postponement of visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists, calling it an "extreme right-wing idea."
Na further stated, "It is expected that hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals will enter the country in the future, which will inevitably increase public anxiety and concerns." She called for measures such as managing the aftermath of the incident, protecting personal information, overhauling identity verification systems, and establishing redundancy for computer networks.
Goh Minjung of the Democratic Party of Korea strongly objected through her social networking service (SNS). She directly criticized, "This is a classic example of ultra-right-wing ideology based on racism and xenophobia," and added, "Once again, it is clear that Assemblywoman Na is a delusional ultra-right figure."
She explained, "Concerns arising from the fire affect all areas, regardless of race, religion, or age," and said, "This is why the government has declared an emergency system."
Goh also pointed out, "Those who hold ultra-right rallies threatening young students near Daerim Station are freely walking the streets," and, "Online, disparaging and hateful remarks targeting vulnerable groups are spreading as if they are normal." She added, "The People Power Party has become a host for such individuals, causing widespread anxiety among the public."
The government plans to temporarily allow visa-free entry for groups of three or more Chinese tourists for 15 days from September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. In Jeju Island, as before, both individual and group tourists will continue to be allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
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