Lee Seung Chul Refused Entry into Japan

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

Lee Seung Chul Refused Entry into Japan, Previous Cases Involving BEAST, CNBLUE, and Song Il Gook Brought Back to Light

It was recently revealed that singer Lee Seung Chul was refused entry into Japan.

The singer left for Japan on the morning of November 9. Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, he was detained at immigration for roughly four hours, at the end of which he was ultimately refused entry. Several reports state that this may be due to Shin Hae Chul’s previous performance in Dokdo prior to Liberation Day, during which he revealed and performed the ‘unification song’ “That Day.”

In a phone call with JTBC News Room on November 10, Lee Seung Chul stated that the immigration officer explained his detainment as a result of recent news about the singer: “It didn’t make sense. ‘Recent news’ sounded like they were talking about Dokdo. I think they were being vague because it could cause problems.” TV Daily reports that upon Lee Seung Chul’s statement that he will not let this unfair treatment go unnoticed, the immigration office brought forward issues with Lee Seung Chul’s use of marijuana, which took place over 20 years ago.

In light of this incident, similar cases from the past have resurfaced, in which Korean stars were refused entry into Japan.

In 1996, singer Jung Kwang Tae, who sang “Dokdo Is Our Land,” requested a Japanese visa along with the production crew for an SBS special that was to be filmed in Japan. However, Jung Kwang Tae was the only person to not be issued a visa.

In 2011, BEAST and CNBLUE were detained by immigration for roughly eight hours, after which their entry was denied, due to the stars not having gotten the required visas. However, BEAST’s agency stated that they had asked an entertainment agency in Japan prior to departure, and were told that they did not need visas. CNBLUE also was advised by an agency regarding immigration procedures. TV Daily reports that at the time, there was friction between Korea and Japan over the island Dokdo.

Actor Song Il Gook met with a similar issue. Following the actor’s participation in a Dokdo swimming project, vice minister Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan stated, “We’re sorry but it seems it may be difficult for you to come to Japan in the future. We believe that is how Japanese citizens feel.” At this, Song Il Gook posted a simple retort on a social networking site: “I’ll just say the names of my sons: Dae Han, Min Gook, Man Se [a Korean cheer].”

On November 11, according to a report by Newsis, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested an explanation from Japan for the refusal of Lee Seung Chul’s entry. Spokesperson No Kwang Il said that they received a response, saying that due to usual practice and protection of personal information, they cannot reveal the reason why Lee Seung Chul was refused entry.

Lee Seung Chul Makes His Unity Song “That Day” Available for Free Download in Response to Japan’s Refusal of His Entry

In response to Japan’s recent refusal of Lee Seung Chul’s entry into the country, the singer has made his song of unity “That Day,” which he had sung for the first time on the island of Dokdo, available for free.

On November 12, Lee Seung Chul’s agency said, “As of now, the song ‘That Day’ will be available for free download and can be openly distributed.” Lee Seung Chul’s camp also revealed that any proceeds that may come from the song in the future will be donated.

The singer himself said, “I have no intention of submitting to any passive pressure or treatment regarding our country and land, and following this event, I plan on taking a more firm stance when it comes to matters of Dokdo Island.”

Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga stated during a November 12 press conference, “I received a report stating that it [the refusal of Lee Seung Chul’s entry into Japan] had nothing to do with him singing the song at Dokdo.”

He stated that he believes they took the necessary steps according to their laws, and that they are unable to reveal the precise reason due to policies regarding the protection of personal information.
source: soompi 1 2, nate 1 2 3, naver, hankooki

Comments

[yakuniku-8.livejournal.com]

I'm not surprised by Song Il Gook but damn that's a bit too much. Are they afraid they would do a terrorist act?

[hanakimmie.livejournal.com]

Not surprised by this. But If visas are required to work in Japan then isn't the cnblue/beast thing their own fault for not getting the correct one? That ones a bit reaching.

[nekokonneko.livejournal.com]

However, BEAST’s agency stated that they had asked an entertainment agency in Japan prior to departure, and were told that they did not need visas. CNBLUE also was advised by an agency regarding immigration procedures. TV Daily reports that at the time, there was friction between Korea and Japan over the island Dokdo.

it's right there in the article. they didn't get visas because they were told they didn't need it. either they did need it and the agencies lied to have them turned away or they didn't need it but japanese immigration decided to throw its weight around to keep them out.

[yejun.livejournal.com]

F.CUZ traveled to Japan on the same day as BEAST and they were able to enter Japan (after being detained for a while) so IDK if the Dokdo theory stands in that case tbh.

[chibi-rei.livejournal.com]

If they were only traveling for a holiday (and I'm sure they wouldn't have been) then you don't need one, but it seems sorta obvious you'd need one for any kind of work.

The agency in Japan was wrong for saying they didn't need one, but it seems like something important that the Korean agency should have researched thoroughly.

If it's just immigration being jerks --- then they are jerks.

[fantaesticbaby.livejournal.com]

i would hate to be detained by Japanese immigration :/ their border force people are scary

[kingpsyborg.livejournal.com]

idk the politics thing sounds a little suspect. like, maybe? i'm not putting it past japanese immigration officials and japan is definitely just as sensitive as korea about that. BUT japanese immigration is also way, way crazy about drugs. they once arrested paul mccartney and put him in jail for ten days before deporting him over marijuana, russell brand has been deported over super old charges, etc. if you happen to blip on the weed radar when you try to get into japan, prepare to have a terrible day.