Busan: Two Chinese nationals have been indicted for the illegal filming of a U.S. aircraft carrier and a South Korean naval base using a drone in Busan. The Busan District Prosecutors Office has charged the individuals, both students at a university in Busan, with benefiting an enemy and undermining national military interests.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the accused allegedly operated a drone near the Korean Fleet Command in southern Busan on nine occasions between March 2023 and June 2024. They reportedly captured footage of the naval base and the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt while it was docked in Busan.
The incident gained further attention when the filming continued on June 25, 2024. On this day, former President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the Theodore Roosevelt, inspecting the vessel and engaging with South Korean and U.S. service members, which heightened security measures.
The recorded content, totaling 11.9 gigabytes, included 172 photos and 22 videos. Some of these materials were allegedly shared on TikTok and other Chinese social media platforms. In addition, another Chinese woman in her 30s is under investigation for suspected violations of military base laws.