Entry Denied for Previous Violation of Assembly and Demonstration Act
Recent Pattern of Refused Entry for Figures Involved in Korea-Japan Historical Issues
Ahead of the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, it has come to light that Seokun Park, Co-Representative of the Korean Progressive Alliance, was denied entry at a Japanese airport. Following Kim Changyeol, who is currently active as a "Dokdo Ambassador," the recent refusals of entry to South Korean figures who have spoken out on historical issues are drawing attention to the underlying reasons.
On March 1, Yonhap News reported that Park arrived at Haneda Airport in Japan around 10 p.m. on February 27 but was not granted entry. He remained at the airport for about 18 hours before returning to South Korea on a flight at 3:45 p.m. on February 28.
Park told Yonhap News, "I attempted to enter Japan to give a lecture commemorating the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, but I was refused entry on the grounds that I have a previous conviction for violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act."
The airport authorities reportedly explained that Park would have to remain in detention if he wished to appeal the entry denial. Park stated, "The actions of the Japanese government are extremely unjust," and expressed his intention to return home. As a result, he was unable to attend the scheduled lecture in person; however, a junior colleague present at the venue read his prepared speech on his behalf, allowing him to participate in the event online.
Park said, "Until February last year, before the Takaichi administration took office, I was able to travel to Japan freely," and claimed that "Japan has recently been targeting individuals connected to Korea-Japan historical issues for retaliation."
He is a leading progressive civic activist who has organized rallies and protests on major social issues, including the Misun and Hyosun incident, the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, the Sewol and Itaewon disasters, the release of Fukushima contaminated water, and the impeachment of former Presidents Park Geunhye and Yoon Sukyeol. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Committee for Major Social Reform under the Prime Minister's Office and as Co-Representative of the Korea-Japan Historical Justice and Peace Action.
Previously, Kim Changyeol, a member of the group DJ DOC and serving as a promotional ambassador for the Dokdo Love Movement Headquarters, was also denied entry to Japan on February 19 after traveling there ahead of the "Takeshima Day" event (the name Japan uses to claim sovereignty over Dokdo). At the time, the organization stated via social media that "an interview and baggage search lasting about five hours were conducted, and ultimately, landing was denied due to Dokdo promotional activities," asserting that this was "a political reprisal and a targeted inspection."
In 2024, there was also a case in which Park Kyungseok, head of the Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination, was notified of an entry ban and had to turn back at a Japanese airport.
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