Two Chinese nationals were detained twice within the same week for photographing U.S. fighter jets near Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The initial incident occurred on Monday, April 21, when U.S. military personnel reported the individuals to South Korean authorities.
After an eight-hour investigation involving the National Intelligence Service and the Defense Counterintelligence Command, the pair were released due to a lack of evidence indicating espionage.
Just two days later, on Wednesday, April 23, the same individuals were apprehended again for similar activities near the same airbase. Despite the recurrence, authorities once more found no signs of espionage and released them without charges, citing that photographing aircraft flying outside designated security zones does not constitute a criminal offense under South Korean law.
This pattern of behavior is not isolated. In March 2025, two Chinese teenagers were detained for photographing military aircraft at Suwon Air Base. Investigations revealed they had taken thousands of photos at multiple military installations, including Osan Air Base, Camp Humphreys, and Cheongju Air Base, as well as at major international airports. One of the teenagers disclosed that his father is affiliated with China’s public security bureau.
Under current South Korean law, espionage charges apply exclusively to actions conducted on behalf of North Korea, the only nation legally recognized as an enemy state due to the ongoing armistice from the Korean War. This legal framework presents challenges in prosecuting espionage activities linked to other countries, including China.
The repeated incidents have prompted discussions among South Korean lawmakers about revising espionage laws to encompass a broader range of foreign threats. However, such legislative changes are still under consideration.
