Members of the Korea University Progressive Union (Dajinyeon), who forced their way into Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on August 4 to hold a protest, have been referred to the prosecution while under arrest. The Pyeongtaek Police Station in Gyeonggi announced on August 11 that three Dajinyeon members were referred to the prosecution on charges of violating the Military Base and Military Installation Protection Act and joint trespass. The rapid pace of legal proceedings just one week after the surprise intrusion incident has led to a surge in search volume related to U.S. Forces Korea.

Behind this incident, which appears to be a simple surprise protest, lie the recently controversial Honam semiconductor project and the relocation of the Gwangju military airport. The conflict began when the U.S. 7th Air Force stated in July that it had significant military interests in the site, asserting joint usage rights in the event of an emergency, after the Lee Jae-myung administration announced plans to build a Honam semiconductor industrial complex on the Gwangju military airport grounds. Dajinyeon has strongly resisted this, claiming the U.S. military is interfering in domestic affairs and hindering South Korea's independent economic development.

On the day of the incident, eight Dajinyeon members bypassed the main gate and security checkpoint of Osan Air Base, filmed videos while shouting anti-U.S. slogans, and were detained by U.S. military personnel before being handed over to the police. The court issued arrest warrants for three members deemed to have played a major role, and police referred them to the prosecution after completing their investigation. As news spreads of the arrest and referral of members from a student organization known for its anti-government and anti-American struggle following their reckless base intrusion, public attention is focused on this conflict, which involves complex entanglements of national security, diplomacy, and economic interests.

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