USFK offers apology for handcuffing of Koreans

Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, deputy commander of United States Forces Korea, bows during a press conference in which he apologized for the recent handcuffing of three South Korean civilians by American troops, at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Sunday. (Photo: Yonhap)

The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) apologized Sunday for the handcuffing of three Korean civilians by American troops during a dispute over parking outside a U.S. Air Force base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

USFK Deputy Ccommander Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, said in a news conference, “I have ordered a full investigation of this incident. The individuals involved have been suspended, and will not perform their normal duties until the investigation is completed.”

The commander of the 7th U.S. Air Force, which is based in Pyeongtaek apologized, adding, “We are working closely with the Korean National Police, and have provided witness statements as they requested.”

USFK Commander Gen. James Thurman issued a statement of apology.

U.S. troops are allowed to ask civilians to move vehicles parked within 500 meters of an entrance of a U.S. base, but not to make arrests.

According to Pyeongtaek police, the incident began when a team of seven U.S. military police (MP) personnel told a resident to move his car, which was parked within 500 meters of the base. Local authorities were called to the scene.

The man, identified as a 35-year-old Yang, parked outside his music shop, was told to wait for the police outside. But he entered the shop and was then placed in handcuffs.

A man identified as Shin, 42, was handcuffed after protesting the move.

The troops attempted to bring the individuals to the base, during which time Yang’s brother was also cuffed for protesting. The cuffs were removed at the urging of local police.

Thurman said the USFK would cooperate with an ongoing investigation into the matter by local authorities.

“I want to emphasize that we respect the Korean people and we will continue to work closely with the community as we look into the facts of this matter,” he said.

Lee Baek-soon, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (MOFAT) North American affairs bureau lodged a complaint over the incident Saturday to the USFK deputy commander.

Jouas and Lee are on a joint committee to oversee the implementation of the status of forces agreement (SOFA) that lays the ground rules for U.S. military personnel.

Lee said over the phone that Jouas initially defended the MPs, saying they had acted in self-defense, but changed his stance after being presented with evidence obtained by the police, later apologizing for the incident.

Jouas added USFK “will thoroughly evaluate our town patrol procedures and ensure they are in accordance with SOFA and USFK regulations and guidelines.”

Lee added that Pyeongtaek residents generally support the presence of U.S. military police in the area, as the patrols mitigate chances for terrorism or other attacks in the area. <The Korea Times/Lee Tae-hoon, Kim Young-jin>

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