On the 22nd (local time), the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee is conducting a parliamentary audit of the Korean Consulates General in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Yonhap News

During the parliamentary audit of the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, the issue of visa issuance for singer Yoo Seung-jun (48, US name Steve Seungjun Yoo) once again became a hot topic.

At the parliamentary audit of the Korean Consulates General in Los Angeles and San Francisco, held at the LA Consulate General building on the 22nd (local time), Kim Tae-ho, a member of the People Power Party, asked, "The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mr. Yoo in his two lawsuits. What is the reason the LA Consulate General is still refusing to issue a visa?"

Kim Young-wan, the Consul General in Los Angeles, responded that the Supreme Court pointed out different issues in Yoo's two lawsuits, stating, "We are of the position that further legal judgment from higher courts is necessary, as there could be various similar cases."

In response, Rep. Kim said, "It is truly difficult to forgive his original actions. However, as a human being, I believe he has endured immense psychological and practical hardships for 20 years. Moreover, our military service law has undergone many changes regarding conscientious objection, including avenues for opting out and alternative service."

On the 22nd (local time), Rep. Kim Tae-ho of the People Power Party is questioning at the parliamentary audit of the Korean Consulates General in Los Angeles and San Francisco, held at the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, USA. Yonhap News. 

Rep. Kim pointed out, "Considering these factors, there are fundamental rights and equality rights guaranteed by law for an individual. When state power is applied excessively, its legitimacy is significantly flawed, and human rights issues can arise."

He added, "Although I understand the public sentiment is unfavorable and the Military Manpower Administration is opposed, given the Supreme Court ruling and the principle of protecting an individual's fundamental rights, I hope you will consider these aspects in your judgment."

In response, Consul General Kim Young-wan stated, "We will actively cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Military Manpower Administration going forward."

During the parliamentary audit, intensive questioning also took place regarding the consulate's response to the Trump administration's widespread crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

Kim Sang-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "Do you have an estimate of the number of expatriates exposed to the risks of immigration crackdowns by the U.S. government?" Consul General Kim replied, "The individuals exposed to risk would be undocumented immigrants. The numbers currently known are all estimates, and it is difficult to provide precise figures."

Rep. Kim emphasized, "It seems that these individuals are forced into situations where they are more vulnerable to crime, deportation, and human rights blind spots because they are reluctant to disclose their status due to the risks associated with their undocumented status. These individuals are undoubtedly our citizens and deserve protection. Whether through collaboration with civic groups or by other means, it is necessary to ensure their human rights are protected."

On the 22nd (local time), the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee is conducting a parliamentary audit of the Korean Consulates General in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Yonhap News. 

Lee Jae-gang, another member of the Democratic Party of Korea, referencing recent arrests of undocumented immigrants from Latin America conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown Los Angeles in June, asked, "According to recent data, there are an estimated 173,000 undocumented Koreans in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 residing in Los Angeles County. Does the consulate have an estimate of this scale?"

Rep. Lee also stressed, "In the Georgia incident, those arrested reportedly did not receive consular assistance on-site. It would be desirable to provide direct consular assistance on-site whenever possible."

Consul General Kim responded, "The crackdowns on-site are conducted by U.S. law enforcement agencies, and ICE is not obligated to notify the consulate after an arrest. If those arrested request consular assistance, it can be provided. We will continue to work towards building a cooperative relationship with ICE to prevent such human rights-violating crackdowns."

Kim Young-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out, "Checking the latest non-immigrant visa issuance data on the U.S. Department of State website, the number of B1/B2 visas issued from January to May this year was 7,400, a decrease of about 40% compared to 4,300 during the same period last year. This appears to be related to the anti-immigrant sentiment or strong immigration enforcement in the U.S."

He then inquired about the activities of the visa-related working group between the South Korean and U.S. foreign authorities: "The previous agreement was to establish a consultative body involving U.S. immigration authorities, local governments, and our consulates to respond on a regular basis. How have you actually made contact?"

Consul General Kim replied, "We have been building a cooperative framework encompassing ICE and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) for some time, and we are now striving to establish an even more strengthened system."

Yonhap News