The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it is proceeding with administrative sanctions in accordance with the passport law against former Captain Lee Geun, who departed from the country to participate as an international volunteer in Ukraine, a wartime situation.
When asked whether former Captain Lee Geun actually arrived in Ukraine, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Choi Young-sam said at a regular briefing today (8th), "We have recently confirmed that Koreans have entered Ukraine without prior permission from our government."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently in the process of taking administrative sanctions against passports in consultation with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the Passport Act," he said.
The government may impose administrative sanctions against Mr. Lee, such as ordering the return of the passport he currently possesses, invalidating the passport for non-return, and refusal or restriction of issuance of a new passport.
Geun Lee, a former captain of the Navy Special Warfare Fleet (UDT / SEAL), known for his YouTube content 'Fake Man', claimed through his social media yesterday that he had departed for Ukraine to participate in his volunteer army.
The whole of Ukraine has been designated as a 'no travel' area since last month, and if a Korean national enters without an exceptional passport permission, they will be subject to administrative sanctions and criminal punishment.
Lee is known to have not contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for permission to use an exceptional passport in Ukraine before his departure.
Spokesperson Choi emphasized, "Ukraine is currently in a very serious wartime situation.
(Photo=Captured from Lee Geun's Instagram)