A 50-year-old Korean man detained in China on ‘anti-espionage law’ charges
“Unable to punish Chinese nationals leaking Korean technology under current law”
Proposed swift processing of amendment… also emphasized the need for a special inspector
[Herald Economy = Reporter Kim Jin] Han Dong-hoon, representative of the People Power Party, stated on the 31st, “A citizen of the Republic of Korea has been detained in China under the application of the anti-espionage law,” and called for “our diplomatic authorities to more actively and effectively act to protect the citizens of the Republic of Korea.”
In a statement at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Representative Han mentioned, “Last year, China greatly expanded the scope of espionage through a revised law, which has been applied leading to lengthy detentions,” referring to a 50-year-old Korean man, Mr. A, who was detained in China last December but whose detention only recently came to light. Mr. A, who has previous work experience with Samsung Electronics and Chinese semiconductor company Changxin Memory Technologies, is suspected of leaking information from Changxin to Korea. This case marks the first application of the amended anti-espionage law to a Korean national.
Han also reiterated the need for the ‘espionage law amendment’ pending in the National Assembly. He pointed out, “If a Chinese national were suspected of leaking South Korea’s semiconductor technology within Korea, current South Korean law cannot prosecute them under espionage charges,” because “the application of espionage charges is currently limited to entities like North Korea.” He emphasized that this is not simply an issue of expanding penal provisions but a fundamental matter concerning how we perceive issues of national interest, the people, and our position within the global order.
Furthermore, Han added, “While the Democratic Party states it does not oppose the amendment in words, I reassertively propose to the Democratic Party to swiftly pass the espionage law.”
He also stressed the necessity of restoring the National Intelligence Service’s counterespionage authority, pointing out, “Even if the espionage law changes, the proper investigating body disappeared due to the dissolution of the counterespionage authority under the Democratic Party’s government.” Han expressed confidence, saying, “I believe very few would oppose creating and investigating a law to prevent the leakage of our semiconductor technology overseas.”
Moreover, Han addressed North Korea’s launch of a ballistic missile into the East Sea. “Although North Korea’s recent participation in the Ukraine war is on the same trajectory, this will only accelerate North Korea’s isolation and downfall, strengthening the global awareness and unity against North Korea,” Han emphasized. He also criticized the Democratic Party, which has been critical of the Yoon Suk-yeol government’s response since learning of North Korea’s wartime actions, saying, “It is difficult to understand,” and accusing it of “taking the lead in fueling public anxiety.”
Meanwhile, Han reiterated the necessity of appointing a special inspector to mitigate the ‘Kim Keon-hee risk.’ Han said, “The government and ruling party must accomplish a lot in the remaining two and a half years to be evaluated positively by the citizens and recreate the administration,” suggesting that “the Democratic Party is unlikely to voluntarily cease such offense” and that appointing an inspector now would help prevent future improprieties and reduce concerns among the public and supporters.