Myanmar’s military regime has reportedly blacklisted expatriates in South Korea who joined an anti‑election protest earlier this month, raising fears of reprisals if they return home.

Sources close to organisers say the junta‑controlled embassy in Seoul is compiling names from the 7 December rally in Daegu, where more than 300 Myanmar nationals gathered to denounce the planned vote. The protest was led by the Myanmar Federal Democratic Movement Coalition, with backing from the shadow National Unity Government’s office in South Korea and other anti‑coup groups.

“They haven’t announced the blacklisting yet because they want more information on key figures,” said protest co‑leader Ko Paing, citing inside sources. Organisers warned that those identified could face arrest upon re‑entry to Myanmar. The embassy declined to comment.

Communities mobilise

The Daegu rally drew participants from across the country, including Seoul and Busan. Organisers say leaders of the coalition, the “One Day Challenge” campaign and supply networks have already been added to the blacklist.

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice stressed the move would not affect residency rights. Since January, Myanmar nationals unable to renew passports have been granted humanitarian visas, allowing them to remain until conditions improve. More than 6,000 citizens currently live in South Korea under this status.

U Win Paw Maung, an NUG representative in Seoul, said most protesters already avoid the embassy for fear of reprisals. “Many are living with expired passports,” he noted.

Voting abroad

The junta’s election commission opened advance voting at embassies worldwide on 1 December. In Seoul, ballots were scheduled for 6–7 December but fewer than 25 voters turned up. The embassy extended the deadline by five days as anti‑coup groups staged protests outside.

Activists say the blacklist is another tool of repression. “Every move by the junta is meant to oppress the people. Blacklisting is no different—it is simply another form of persecution,” one protester said.

The contrast with 2020 is stark. Then, more than 10,000 Myanmar nationals in South Korea applied for advance voting, with over 1,000 casting ballots on the first day despite the pandemic. This year, the junta’s poll has been met with a mass boycott.

-2025-12-28