Prosecutors reiterated their request for a three-year prison term in the appeal trial of two Taiwanese nationals convicted of unauthorized photography of military facilities—matching their initial demand.
The 7th Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Byung-soo, held a hearing on Thursday for the appeal by the two Taiwanese citizens—a man in his 60s identified as A and another in his 40s known as B—charged with violating the Military Base and Military Facilities Protection Act.
Prosecutors argued that the defendants’ actions posed a significant threat to national security, citing both the seriousness of the offense and the methods employed, and maintained their call for a three-year prison sentence.
The incident occurred on May 10 at 11:30 a.m. when the defendants allegedly entered Osan Air Base (K-55)—a U.S. Air Force installation in Pyeongtaek—without proper authorization. They were attending the 2025 Osan Air Power Day event and reportedly used digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to capture over ten images of military assets, including fighter jets.
The lower court had previously sentenced both defendants to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, for unauthorized entry into a military installation and photographing restricted areas. Prosecutors appealed the decision, deeming the sentence too lenient given the nature of the offense.
The appellate court is set to deliver its verdict on November 17.
