3 Japanese lawmakers denied entry over Dokdo row

“The entry ban infringes on our privacy.”

“We’re not terrorists. Why do you think we threaten (Korea’s) border security?”

Japanese Rep. Yoshitaka Shindo, 53, gushed when he and two other members of Japan`s opposition Liberal Democratic Party who planned to visit Ulleung Island were banned from entering Korea at Gimpo International Airport at 11:10 a.m. Monday. His comments were made on purpose to make the Dokdo islets seen as a disputed area.

The Korean government denied them entry under Article 11 of the Immigration Control Act, which says, “The Minister of Justice may prohibit any of the following foreigners from entering the Republic of Korea: a person deemed highly likely to commit any act detrimental to the interests of the Republic of Korea or public safety.”

The immigration control office at Gimpo airport gave the three lawmakers a deportation document as a result of the entry ban and issued a repatriation order to the pilot of the All Nippon Airways flight that brought them.

The office asked them to return to Japan on the same plane that they took at 12:40 p.m., but they refused. They said they cannot go until the Korean Foreign Ministry explains the reason for the ban in detail.

“It is a serious diplomatic problem that Japan’s representatives, who have a right to pass in a safe and independent manner, are denied entry into the country. I`ll visit Korea again," said Shindo

In principle, a foreigner banned from entering Korea can be sent back by taking the airplane that he or she took to get to Korea. The immigration office, however, encouraged the three politicians to voluntarily leave Korea in consideration of their status as lawmakers and potential impact on bilateral relations.

Tokyo protested the entry ban to Seoul over the phone via the Japanese Embassy in Seoul at 11:50 a.m.

A source from the Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry said, “Japan said (the entry ban) is regrettable given the friendly relationship between the two countries.”

The political shows by Japan’s right-wing politicians appear to be politically successful but could result in losing friendship and trust between Korea and Japan.

A Japanese defense white paper to be issued Tuesday reportedly argues that Dokdo belongs to Japan, foreshadowing further deterioration of Korea-Japan ties.

zeitung@donga.com