Arrest warrants sought for 4 student activists over alleged infiltration into U.S. air base

Police have requested arrest warrants for four student activists accused of trespassing at the U.S. Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The group, identified as members of the Korean Progressive University Student Union, allegedly attempted to breach the base, with six individuals entering the compound before being detained by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

The activists reportedly protested against alleged U.S. military interference in a semiconductor project and a suspected white phosphorus leak at the base. However, the USFK stated on Thursday that thorough inspections and testing confirmed the residue identified during a routine munitions inspection on July 28 was not white phosphorus, nor did it contain traces of it.

"After follow-on analysis, we are confident that the residue was non-hazardous surface corrosion resulting from environmental exposure over time," the USFK said in a statement. Emergency response professionals ensured containment, and base operations are proceeding normally with no injuries reported. An arrest warrant hearing for the activists was scheduled for Thursday.