A viral video featuring K-pop star Tsuki accidentally exposed a Seoul phone shop advertising phone plans with ‘illegal passports’
In the footage, a shop can be seen displaying a sign in Chinese offering mobile phone activations using “illegal passports” – implying that it was selling SIM cards for undocumented migrants, according to the Chosun Biz news website.
The video drew backlash online, with viewers criticising what appeared to be an open promotion of criminal services. The channel later clarified that the store had been reported to the relevant authorities.
To add to the controversy, Garibong-dong, where the video was filmed, is a gathering place for ethnic Koreans from China, according to the Chosun Biz. Numerous criminal activities have been reported in the area, which was a filming location for The Outlaws, a 2017 movie about a war breaking out between local Chinese-Korean gangs.
According to the Guro Police Station on Thursday, officers began on-site checks and intelligence gathering at all telecom outlets in the district on Monday, prepared to escalate the investigation if they uncovered any illegal activity.
