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Chinese consulate helping Hongkonger barred from leaving South Korea’s Jeju Island

Woman, 67, was arrested, but not charged, after taking photos of a traditional bathhouse and its patrons despite a ‘no-photography’ rule

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South Korea’s Jeju Island. Hong Kong officials are liaising closely with authorities in the country and China’s local consulate to better understand the case. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese consular officials have stepped in to help a Hong Kong woman who has been barred from leaving South Korea’s Jeju Island for more than two months after being arrested for taking photos at a traditional bathhouse.
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Sasa Tse, 67, was visiting the western part of the popular resort island as part of a tour package with three friends on July 7 when the incident occurred, her husband told the Post on Thursday.

A spokesman from the Hong Kong Immigration Department said the Chinese consulate on the island had met the woman to provide help, including getting updates on the case from local authorities and requesting the processing time to be accelerated.

He said the department would continue to maintain close contact with the woman, the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong and the consulate on Jeju Island.

Residents were also reminded to abide by local laws and understand local customs when travelling.

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The case centred on the woman entering a jjimjilbang, or Korean bathhouse, and taking photos in an area where photography was prohibited.

Jjimjilbang facilities are usually segregated according to sex and typically feature hot tubs, showers, traditional Korean kiln saunas and massage tables.

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