Welcome to BASE21

The Preparation Committee of NAFAS (National Action for Amendment of unequal SOFA), which consists of seven organizations, such as, the NCCCUB (National Common Countermeasure Committee for U.S. Army Military Base), Green Coalition, etc., conducted a rally protesting the detainment of Father Moon Jung-hyun and demanding the revision of the unequal SOFA between the ROK and the USA.

The rally was held at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on September 10th, 1999 at Top-Gol Park. Representatives, including Father Moon Kyu-Hyun, lodged a written protest to the U.S. Embassy. The director of the NCCCUB, Bae Jong-jin, said "There has been only a partial revision since the ROK and the USA agreed on the unequal bilateral SOFA in 1967.

In addition, a proposal for the amendment of the SOFA by the Korean government was rejected by USA in 1995." Bae also made it clear that "Due to the fact that our tolerance for the criminal behavior of the U.S. Army has reached its limit, we must ultimately request for the revision of the unequal bilateral SOFA.

A Request for an Interview with the Commander of the U.S. Military Results in the Illegal Use of Handcuffs

On August 6th, 1999, four people who had been carrying out a movement against the existence of the U.S. military base in Kunsan City, including Father Moon Jung-hyun and Oh Doo-hee, executive director of the Peace and Human Rights Coalition in Chunbok Province, took part in a silent demonstration in front of the U.S. military base.

For over 80 Fridays, the demonstrators have been asking for the revision of the SOFA. In the absence of a reply from the U.S. Army, they asked for a meeting with the commander of the USFK (U.S. Forces in Korea). However, instead of getting the meeting they asked for, they were illegally handcuffed and detained by U.S. soldiers for about an hour.

Furthermore, when international and national scholars and peace movement participants visited the U.S. Army Base in Peong-Taek City on August 28th, 1999, the U.S. Army responded to the demonstrators by rolling out a military tank. Recently, Lee Jung-suk, (female, 28 years of age) who had been living with a U.S. soldier, was found dead in Tongduchon. Officials strongly suspect foul play (Daily News, September 9th, 1999).

Regarding the above incidents, the NAFAS stated that "The U.S. Army's illegal detention of Father Moon Jung-Hyun and rolling out a tank to deter visitors, whose only aims were to obtain information, was a uncalled for and disdainful reaction. In addition, the actions of the U.S. military was a blow to human rights and to our national dignity."

The NAFAS requested an inquiry into these actions to find and punish those responsible. In addition, those held responsible should publically apologize for their inappropriate behavior. The NAFAS continues to ask for a revision of the SOFA, and does not hesitate in stating that "The United States' unilateral rejection of the rational revision of the SOFA between the ROK and the U.S. can be interpreted, without a doubt, as a reflection of U.S. imperialism and expansionism."