[On-site Video] "Life Comes First" vs "Concerns About Conflict" Afghan Refugee Acceptance, What Do You Think?

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han and PD Jingeun Yoon] "Life comes first, so we have to accept them first," "I am worried about religious and cultural conflicts."

As the Islamic militant group Taliban has regained control of Afghanistan (Afgan), the exodus of Afghan nationals continues, sparking conflicts over refugee acceptance.

On the 20th, citizens met near the Korea Islamic Center Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, expressed the opinion that refugees should be accepted on humanitarian grounds before various conflicts that may arise from refugee acceptance. On the other hand, some citizens showed reluctance, citing possible religious and cultural conflicts. The government is taking a cautious stance on the matter.

On that day, Jang, a man in his 30s working near the Seoul Central Mosque, expressed support for accepting refugees. Jang said, "We need to help refugees. They are in crisis, and I think saving lives comes first."

Regarding conflicts over refugee acceptance, he emphasized, "I think it is right to help when we can rather than worrying about incidents and accidents that may happen later." He added, "I think it is a bit inappropriate to worry and oppose things that have not yet happened."

A university student in their 20s, A, said, "Personally, I think we should help." He added, "I graduated from university in Hong Kong, and it was heartbreaking to see people forcibly taken out (of Hong Kong) due to the Hong Kong protests." He continued, "If there is an opportunity for people from Afghanistan to come to Korea, I think Koreans should accept them with a broad heart as fellow human beings regardless of nationality."

Citizens who opposed expressed concerns about social conflicts arising from refugee acceptance. B, a university student in their 20s, said, "Of course, ethically, I support accepting refugees, but I have seen too many problems related to refugee acceptance in other countries." He added, "I think religious conflicts will be the biggest after refugee acceptance, and there will be significant cultural differences. Since various problems may arise, I think it is right to keep a distance."

Meanwhile, the government stated that it is closely examining the issue of accepting Afghan refugees. On the 20th, Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, met with reporters on his way to the Ministry of Justice Gwacheon office and said regarding the recent occurrence of refugees due to Afghanistan being taken over by the Islamic militant group Taliban, "The Ministry of Justice, which is in charge of immigration and foreigner policies, has been closely monitoring the situation for a long time."

He continued, "We are preparing for various scenarios and always prioritize national interests, working closely with officials. Currently, since this is not only a problem for the Republic of Korea but a global issue, I can only speak cautiously," he added.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.