On May 11, 2026, the Seoul District Court sentenced two Chinese nationals on charges of illegally filming fighter jets at several South Korean and US military bases and attempting to interfere with air traffic control communications. According to the court, the two male defendants committed the offenses between January 2025 and March 2026. They were caught filming fighter jets at South Korean and US air bases and using equipment to intercept and decode air traffic control signals. Both were convicted of violating South Korea's National Security Act. The court sentenced one defendant to 18 months in prison and the other to 12 months. Upon completion of their sentences, they will be deported to China. The defendants' lawyers stated that their clients acted out of curiosity with no malicious intent. However, the court rejected this argument, emphasizing the severity of the acts amid regional security tensions. The case attracted attention from South Korean and international media, reflecting concerns about technological espionage at US military installations in Asia.
