Grace Road Group senior administrator Ana Sungdo claims she was denied entry into Fiji while returning from a trip to Australia on Friday September 8.
In a statement issued this morning, she labeled actions taken by Fiji Immigration against members of the group as “religious persecution” and “extremely unfair.”
“I handle significant administrative tasks for our group, and I find it extremely unfair that my visa was rejected, and I am even denied entry on a visitor visa,” Ms Sungdo said.
Ms Sungdo said she is not on a list of seven group members named in an Interpol Red Notice,.
“I had no choice but to stay in Australia, but the Australian Immigration at the airport, who were notified by the Fijian Immigration, insulted me as a ‘cult’ (member) and refused my entry.
“I had to endure six hours of hassle, questioning and searches before they finally allowed my entry to Australia.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is in Fiji and The Fiji Times will seek comments from her on the issue shortly.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua issued a statement last week where he said the Korean Government communicated through diplomatic channels on September 21, 2018, that they had nullified the passports of seven individuals connected with the Grace Road Group.
The seven are president Daniel Kim, Sung Jin Lee, Nam Suk Choi, Byeong Joon Lee, Jin Sook Yoon, Beomseop Shin and Chul Na.
Mr Tikoduadua said their passports had been nullified by the Korean Government in relation to charges laid and warrants had been issued for their arrest.
Mr Tikoduadua said in July 2018, INTERPOL “Red Notices” were published by Interpol referring to the seven as “Fugitives wanted for Prosecution.”
Ms Sungdo said the previous (FijiFirst) government did not disregard the request of the South Korean government.
“We were investigated from 2018 to 2020, with almost 200 interviews conducted by the CID, often through interpreters from the South Korean Embassy.
“After so many months under the current government, suddenly our members were declared ‘prohibited immigrants.’
“This makes no sense. Our president (Mr Kim) has been doing business, met so many people and been in the media many times.
“How is this hiding and a fugitive? This is unjust. This is religious persecution.”
The Fiji Times has reached out to Mr Tikoduadua for comment.
