South Korean Man Arrested After 33 Years in Japan

Tokyo, August 29, 2026: A 72-year-old South Korean man, identified as Mun Jong-gi, has been arrested in Japan after allegedly remaining in the country for nearly 33 years beyond his authorised stay. According to Japanese police, he entered Japan in September 1993 using his younger brother’s passport and was granted a 15-day visa. He reportedly stayed on to seek better-paid employment and supported himself through day labour and casual jobs. His prolonged illegal residence came to light after police received information about a suspected undocumented resident in June 2026. Shizuoka Prefectural Police arrested him in Yaizu on August 26 on suspicion of violating immigration laws. Although he had lived in Japan for about 33 years, police reportedly consider the criminal offence period to date from February 2000, when overstaying became punishable under revised immigration law. He has reportedly admitted the allegations, while the investigation continues.