Japanese Media Criticizes Korean Diplomatic Vehicles, Demanding "License Plates Be Removed" Over 'Illegal Tinting' Reports

Japanese Media Reports Illegal Tinting at Korean Embassy
"Investigated the Darkness of Diplomatic Privileges," Criticizes

Vehicles operated by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan have been openly driving with illegal window tinting, drawing heavy criticism from local media.

On the 6th, Fuji News Network (FNN) reported on a vehicle on a road in Minato Ward, Tokyo, stating that they had "investigated the 'dark side of diplomatic privileges'."

Illegal tinted diplomatic vehicle of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan. [Image source=Fuji News Network (FNN)]

The vehicle had such dark tinting that the interior was barely visible. It was confirmed to be a diplomatic vehicle belonging to the Korean Embassy. FNN reported that within about four hours, they found three Korean Embassy vehicles with what appeared to be illegal tinting. In response, the Korean Embassy stated, "We were not aware that this violated the law."

FNN pointed out that Korea, like Japan, has regulations on vehicle tinting, but in practice, enforcement is rarely carried out. They also showed footage of cars driving on Gwanghwamun Street in Seoul.

FNN said, "The police and authorities need to respond without hesitation," adding, "In cases of malicious legal violations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might consider measures such as refusing to issue license plates."

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Japanese law requires that vehicle front windshields have a visible light transmittance of 70% or higher, prohibiting tinting that blocks this. Similarly, under Korea's Road Traffic Act, the visible light transmittance for front windshields must be 70% or higher, and for the driver's side and passenger side windows, 40% or higher. This is intended to ensure the driver's front and side visibility for safety.

On the same day, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko responded to related questions at a press conference, saying, "Upon confirmation, we learned that some vehicles owned by the Korean Embassy had films that did not comply with regulations, and that appropriate measures were taken in accordance with the law."

He added, "Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomatic missions have an obligation to respect the laws of the host country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue efforts to remind diplomatic missions in Japan to comply with Japanese traffic laws."

The Korean Embassy stated, "Following the broadcaster's investigation a few days ago, we became aware of the violations and have changed the illegal tinting on the driver's and passenger's seats of the embassy-owned vehicles."

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