Drone Photo: VCG

The Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea on Wednesday issued a safety advisory, reminding Chinese nationals in the country to exercise caution when using drones or cameras, especially near sensitive sites and restricted areas. The reminder, published on the embassy's official WeChat account, also expressed serious concerns over irresponsible and sensationalized reports by certain media outlets concerning drone use.

Since 2024, several Chinese nationals have been investigated by South Korean authorities, with some placed under temporary detention, over allegations of unlawful drone or camera use near restricted areas, said the statement. 

The embassy expressed concerns over irresponsible and inaccurate media coverage, warning against the politicization of individual cases and premature judgments prior to the conclusion of official investigations.

Every country has laws that prohibit access to restricted zones and the filming of sensitive facilities, the embassy stated. We remind Chinese citizens currently in or planning to visit South Korea to raise their legal awareness, abide by local regulations and familiarize themselves in advance with the country's drone usage laws.

The statement specifically warned against flying drones near military zones or photographing restricted infrastructure, and advised to pay close attention to warning signs marked "no photography" to avoid inadvertent legal violations.

In addition, it called on South Korean media to uphold journalistic integrity and social responsibility, and not to politicize routine legal matters. The embassy said it had formally raised concerns with relevant South Korean authorities, requesting a fair and impartial investigation while ensuring the legitimate rights of those involved are protected.

The advisory comes amid some media scrutiny over recent drone-related incidents. On November 14, 2024, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that three Chinese nationals were being prosecuted for allegedly using a drone on June 25, 2023 to film the USS Theodore Roosevelt - a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier docked at Busan's Naval Operations Command. 

In another case, South Korean police launched an investigation of a Chinese man suspected of using a drone to record footage of the National Intelligence Service headquarters in November 2024.

The embassy also included links to South Korea's drone regulations, which impose strict controls over flight altitude and airspace usage, and differentiate requirements based on drone types and usage. Violators may result in penalties ranging from imprisonment of up to one year, detention, or fines between 2 million and 10 million Korean won ($1,400-7,000).

As personnel exchanges between China and South Korea continue to deepen, the embassy emphasized that both countries must work together to preserve the positive momentum in bilateral ties.

Global Times