On the 1st, Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Kim Byung-gi strongly pushed back against claims that visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists should be blocked, calling it "dangerous xenophobia against foreigners."
At a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly that day, floor leader Kim said, "An absurd claim is being raised that visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists should be blocked," adding, "Targeting the citizens of a specific country is dangerous xenophobia against foreigners."
Kim added, "What is urgently needed now is to revive domestic demand and restore the tourism industry," noting, "Across the country, including Busan and Daegu, we have been thoroughly preparing for months for a boom in Chinese group tourism. In this situation, stoking hatred and anxiety tramples on local efforts and directly harms the economy and the national interest."
He emphasized, "The Democratic Party opposes politics that promote hatred and anxiety," and "We must not forget that if we hate foreigners, we will be met with hatred from them when we go abroad."
Starting on Sept. 26 last year through June next year, the government allowed visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists of three or more, permitting travel in Korea for up to 15 days. The move aims to boost tourism and stimulate domestic demand. However, some within the People Power Party and conservative circles question its effectiveness, citing concerns about public safety and potential harm to citizens, and conservative-leaning groups are continuing rallies across the country opposing visa-free entry.