National public broadcaster KBS publicly apologizes for its reporter's misdemeanors in Singapore during KBS News9 [Courtesy of KBS]
SEOUL -- Two South Korean journalists from a national TV station were deported from Singapore after they were arrested for trespassing the residence of North Korea's ambassador.
The two in their 40s, who worked for KBS to cover this week's historic summit between the leaders of North Korea and the United States, arrested on Friday, and Singapore police said they were not accredited as media personnel.
"The visit passes of the two South Korean men have been canceled, and they have been repatriated to the Republic of Korea on June 9," Singapore police said in a statement on Sunday.
Singapore, known for their strict restrictions and penalties, has a strong reputation for cleanliness and safety. It has little tolerance for crimes and upholds law and order with strict measures.
"I think it's a bad idea in any country to break into ambassador's residences. No different in Singapore. Case closed. They have been asked to leave," Singapore Law and Home Affairs Minister Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam said.
KBS apologized on behalf of the two reporters on Friday during a news show, citing the negligence of their reporters for being overly enthusiastic prior to the historic summit. "We respect the decision by local police and law enforcement. We sincerely apologize for failing to report with prudence at a sensitive time head of the U.S-North Korea summit."
Ahead of the historic summit, authorities in Singapore have ramped up security with roadblocks and lockdowns in some parts of the city. They have issued a reminder to all foreigners to abide by local laws, warning any violators will be dealt with firmly and may face the termination of their visas or pass. Media personnel who commit offenses in Singapore will not be accredited and may be barred from covering the summit
This story was contributed by Jazin Wee, an editorial assistant.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
