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Major U.S. bases in Japan

A report that the US military has recently stepped up restrictions on South Koreans’ access to US Forces Japan (USFJ) bases is raising questions about the possible reasons behind the move.

On Oct. 15, the US military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported that USFJ has included South Korea on the list of countries whose citizens must go through additional verification procedures before entering its bases. The list of countries subject to entry restrictions is posted near the entrance to the USFJ base in western Tokyo and includes South Korea along with 50 other countries such as North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan. A notice posted next to the list – which also includes Frances – states, “No personnel will escort a designated third country national onto Yokota Air Base.”

“It is the responsibility of the escort sponsor to verify the individual is not from one of the [. . . ] designated countries,” the sign continues.

USFJ did not provide an explanation on why South Koreans were added to the list of those subject to strict verification.

USFJ spokesperson Air Force Maj. Genieve White explained that citizens of the countries named on the list could not enter without prior approval. Requests for prior approval are handled on a “case-by-case basis,” with detailed written information required in advance for approval candidates. White recommended contacting security officials 30 days ahead of time before inviting a citizen of one of the countries on the list onto a base.

Stars and Stripes noted the contrast with the US Forces Korea (USFK) base in Seoul, where Japanese nationals can be escorted inside with only a passport.

The newspaper also shared the case of a South Korean housewife living in Yokota who attempted to enter a US base recently to meet a friend, only to be denied entry.

“I was so surprised. A month ago, I could be on base right after just taking a photo,” said the woman, who was identified by the name Sunha Park.

“It seems that we’re treated like criminals. Such an action makes me think ‘Have I done something wrong? Have my country’s people done something wrong?’” Park was quoted as saying.

Regarding USFJ’s measure, a South Korean information officer for USFK said, “We are not aware of this either.”

“We are looking into the circumstances and factors behind this measure. If anything is confirmed, we will let you know,” the officer said.

By Park Byong-su, senior staff writer

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