By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee
Amid ongoing political turmoil in South Korea, including rallies for and against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol following the imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul has issued a warning to its nationals in South Korea not to participate in political events.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Jan. 5 that the embassy had issued a notice to Chinese nationals in South Korea the day before, asking them to avoid political activities related to the rallies.
According to the report, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea posted a notice on its Weibo account on Jan. 4, warning Chinese citizens in South Korea not to participate in political activities.
“Recently, protests and political rallies have been held frequently in various parts of South Korea,” the embassy said in the notice, adding, ”Chinese nationals living in or visiting South Korea are specially advised to avoid local political rallies and crowded places, refrain from making political statements in public, be aware of traffic restrictions caused by rallies, and ensure their personal safety and travel safety.”
“According to the Immigration Act, foreign nationals in Korea are prohibited from engaging in political activities except those provided by law. Serious violations may result in deportation,” it emphasized.
The warning comes as protests over Yoon's impeachment have intensified, with foreigners in China risking deportation if they engage in political activities.
Thousands of protesters, divided over impeachment and arrest, have rallied outside the presidential palace in Hannam-dong since the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials' failed attempt to arrest Yoon on Jan. 3.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jeon, a member of the ruling People Power Party, who is classified as pro-Yoon, said in front of the presidential palace on Jan. 2, “Everywhere I go, Chinese people say they are in favor of impeachment, and tractors that have never been farmed are driving around Seoul, South Korea. This is the essence of impeachment,” she claimed.
