Prosecutors have sought a four-year prison term for a North Korean defector charged with gathering intelligence on an Air Force radar facility in Jeju and transmitting it to North Korean authorities.
The Jeju District Prosecutors’ Office requested the sentence during the initial hearing and sentencing trial for Mr. A (59), who faces charges of violating the National Security Act (espionage and unauthorized communication). The proceedings took place on Thursday before the Second Criminal Division of the Jeju District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Lim Jae-nam. Prosecutors also called for a four-year suspension of qualifications.
The indictment alleges that in August 2017, Mr. A was instructed by a North Korean security official, identified as Mr. B, to relay information about the radar base situated on Moseulbong in Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City, Jeju.
While acknowledging the severity of the National Security Act violations, prosecutors explained that they took into account mitigating factors such as the defendant being a first-time offender, the extended duration of the investigation, and his confession along with apparent remorse.
Mr. A reportedly sent photographs and video footage of the base and its auxiliary structures to Mr. B on two separate occasions. He also provided detailed information, noting the absence of checkpoints that would restrict vehicle access, the lack of military observation posts, and describing the radar base’s entrance as being enclosed by a 10-foot (about 3 metres) barbed-wire fence. He reported that it takes approximately six minutes to drive from the entrance to the summit at about 20 km/h (about 12.4 mph).
Investigators also discovered that Mr. A had been tasked with monitoring and reporting on the activities of four other North Korean defectors residing in South Korea.
Mr. A has admitted to all charges against him.
His defense attorney argued for leniency, citing mitigating circumstances related to concerns for the safety of his family still in North Korea. The attorney also emphasized Mr. A’s voluntary confession and his clean record during his time in South Korea.
Expressing remorse, Mr. A stated that he sincerely apologizes for violating South Korean law and he voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities and pledge to live as a law-abiding citizen of South Korea after serving his sentence.
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Mr. A’s case on the morning of November 13.