Chinese teen booked in Jeju for eavesdropping on air traffic control

A Chinese teenager has been apprehended in Jeju for allegedly illegally eavesdropping on air traffic control at the Jeju International Airport, which is a Class A national security facility, local police announced on Tuesday. The teenager allegedly utilized a radio to secretly listen to tower-aircraft communications for a duration of 90 minutes on August 27 from the airport's observation deck.

This incident occurred when a visitor noticed the individual's suspicious behavior and promptly informed the authorities. Upon apprehension, it was discovered that the teenager had arrived in Korea from China on the day of the incident with the radio, which is reportedly available for purchase on a Chinese website for approximately 43,000 won ($32).

Additionally, the teenager was found to have previously entered Korea multiple times without being accompanied by an adult. The teenager's camera contained numerous photographs of at least two military facilities in Gyeonggi Province, which borders Seoul. Police have imposed a travel ban on the suspect and are currently investigating the teenager's motives, as well as any potential connection between the eavesdropping activity and other incidents.