Sachin Awasthi’s Detention Experience in South Korea

Sachin Awasthi, a popular Indian content creator known for his relatable comedy sketches, has alleged that he and his wife were held for 38 hours and barred from entering Jeju Island in South Korea. He described the situation as akin to jail, stating they faced no access to phones or food, and followed by closely monitored transit in China.

In a YouTube video caption, he mentioned the ordeal: “Detained for 38 hours in South Korea (Jeju Island) & China | no phones & food, jail like conditions.”

Trip Planned Under Visa-Free Rules

Awasthi stated that the first complication occurred at Bangkok airport before boarding their Juneyao Airlines flight to Jeju. Allegedly, the airline staff requested proof of a specific high amount of cash despite the couple displaying cards and account balances.

He further noted that they had to withdraw the needed cash from an airport ATM to maintain their bookings, and they were required to count the cash in front of the staff prior to being permitted to board.

Cash Demand at Bangkok Airport

Awasthi reported that the initial issue emerged at Bangkok airport before they were set to board their Juneyao Airlines flight to Jeju. He claimed that staff insisted on proof of a large sum of cash, which prompted them to procure funds from an airport ATM to avoid losing their reservations. The couple was compelled to count the cash in front of the staff before being allowed to proceed.

Entry Denied at Jeju Immigration

Upon arriving at Jeju Island, Awasthi stated that immigration officials took their fingerprints and handed them over to an officer. Although they asked for an interview in English, they were provided a phone interpreter. Awasthi conveyed that they were in Jeju to celebrate Christmas and New Year and presented their itinerary.

However, officials issued a document stating: “Entry Denied because purpose of stay not clear.” He alleged that the authorities did not verify their return tickets, insurance, or any supporting documents before denying their entry. He also mentioned that the same procedure was applied to his wife.

Held in Detention Facility

Awasthi mentioned that their passports were confiscated and they were transferred to what he referred to as a detention centre within the airport. He claimed they were forced to sign forms indicating that proper accommodation and food were provided. He described conditions where they were sequestered in separate halls for men and women, provided with limited water, basic food items such as sweet juice and bread, no sunlight, and thin mattresses for sleeping.

Return Flight Dispute

Awasthi conveyed that airline representatives informed them that only their original airline could facilitate their return flight or they would have to wait for their scheduled departure. He indicated they offered to change tickets and pay extra but were only given the choice to wait or secure seats under airline conditions. Eventually, they purchased new tickets at a significantly inflated price and managed to depart the following day.

Monitored Transit in China

Upon being flown to Shanghai for transit, Awasthi reported that their eight-hour layover was also tightly controlled. He asserted that they were prohibited from using their phones, had restricted access to food and water, were escorted to the restroom, and could not reach out to family members. He described the ordeal as the “Worst 24+ hours of life—treated as criminals without crime.” Before their departure to India, they claimed that when their passports were finally returned, they were cautioned: “Don’t tell anyone. You got lucky; nothing stamped.”

No official response has been provided by South Korean or Chinese authorities regarding the allegations outlined in the video.