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Author to be deported for alleged pro-N.K. activities
By Claire LeePublished : Jan. 7, 2015 - 21:31
Korean-American author Shin Eun-mi, who has been accused of violating the National Security Act for allegedly promoting pro-North Korean ideals, may be deported to the U.S. as early as Friday, prosecutors said.
Under the current law, Shin cannot enter South Korea for five years after being deported.
“I have no reason to be deported and I consider myself a victim,” Shin said Wednesday as she appeared at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office for questioning.
“I can guarantee that I have done nothing that violates the National Security Act. I have made no pro-North Korea remarks in public. There are no such remarks in my book, either.”
Last month, the police banned Shin from leaving the country, after she refused to appear for questioning.
The 53-year-old, who has penned and published a book on her trip to North Korea, has been accused of being a North Korean sympathizer for her book as well as a series of discussion events.
After one of the discussion at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, a number of local conservative civic groups filed a complaint against Shin and Hwang Sun, the former deputy spokeswoman of the now-defunct Democratic Labor Party, with the police for allegedly making remarks that are sympathetic toward the communist regime.
Both Shin and Hwang were also targets of a terrorist attack by a right-wing teenager at one of the previous talk shows held last month in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, who set off a homemade bomb on the stage. Neither of the women was hurt.
While South Korea’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech, activities or comments in favor of the North Korean regime may be punishable under the disputed National Security Law.
Hwang, on the other hand, has been working as a left-wing activist and gave birth to her second child in Pyongyang during her controversial trip to North Korea back in 2005.
Shin said on Wednesday that her book is purely a travelogue and has no intention of supporting the current North Korean regime. She also claimed that the probe and the travel ban have caused her great damage, including the loss of friendships and a business loss.
“I am the victim of a terrorist attack and inaccurate media reports,” she said, blaming some local media outlets for accusing her of being a North Korean sympathizer.
“I can’t believe I may face deportation instead of getting compensation.”
By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)
Under the current law, Shin cannot enter South Korea for five years after being deported.
“I have no reason to be deported and I consider myself a victim,” Shin said Wednesday as she appeared at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office for questioning.
“I can guarantee that I have done nothing that violates the National Security Act. I have made no pro-North Korea remarks in public. There are no such remarks in my book, either.”
Last month, the police banned Shin from leaving the country, after she refused to appear for questioning.
The 53-year-old, who has penned and published a book on her trip to North Korea, has been accused of being a North Korean sympathizer for her book as well as a series of discussion events.
After one of the discussion at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, a number of local conservative civic groups filed a complaint against Shin and Hwang Sun, the former deputy spokeswoman of the now-defunct Democratic Labor Party, with the police for allegedly making remarks that are sympathetic toward the communist regime.
Both Shin and Hwang were also targets of a terrorist attack by a right-wing teenager at one of the previous talk shows held last month in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, who set off a homemade bomb on the stage. Neither of the women was hurt.
While South Korea’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech, activities or comments in favor of the North Korean regime may be punishable under the disputed National Security Law.
Hwang, on the other hand, has been working as a left-wing activist and gave birth to her second child in Pyongyang during her controversial trip to North Korea back in 2005.
Shin said on Wednesday that her book is purely a travelogue and has no intention of supporting the current North Korean regime. She also claimed that the probe and the travel ban have caused her great damage, including the loss of friendships and a business loss.
“I am the victim of a terrorist attack and inaccurate media reports,” she said, blaming some local media outlets for accusing her of being a North Korean sympathizer.
“I can’t believe I may face deportation instead of getting compensation.”
By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)
