Attempted Entry of 20 Terrorist Suspects after September 11 was Blocked

It has been known that 20 international terrorist suspects tried to enter Korea only to have their identities revealed and forced to leave the country after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As of the end of September, eight among them have made another attempt to enter this year.

“We have detected 20 terrorist suspects during the entry process at the airport since the terrorist attacks and have deported them,” said a government official. “Eight among them, who have made another attempt this year, were forced to leave.”

He also added, “They are terrorist suspects whose names are similar to those on the list of international terrorists; whose identity and purpose of visit are unclear.”

The government authorities said that 61 terrorist suspects, including Shigeta Kazuyoshi of the Japanese Red Army (JRA), were deported during the entry process from 1985 to 1999. The government currently prohibits the entry of 5,049 people from 81 nations who are related to terrorism.

“We cannot exclude the possibility that terrorists may come into operation in Korea, taking advantage of its loose management on illegal immigrants,” said a government authority. “Terrorists may disguise themselves as industrial trainees.”

Hoon Lee dreamland@donga.com