Seoul: A Seoul court has upheld an earlier decision by the justice ministry to deny naturalization to a foreign national over his past criminal record.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the foreigner, who had sought to overturn the ministry's rejection of his naturalization application. The applicant, whose nationality was not disclosed, had applied for a South Korean passport after marrying a South Korean citizen. However, following the couple's divorce, the legal basis for his application changed, leading the ministry to reject the request, citing his criminal record.

The ministry ruled that the individual failed to meet the "good conduct" requirement under the Nationality Act. The foreigner had previously been referred to juvenile protection proceedings for aggravated theft and had also been fined for driving without a license.

The applicant argued that despite his criminal record, the justice ministry's decision to deny his naturalization was too severe. However, the administrative court highlighted that he was a repeat offender over an extended period, and his offenses were not considered minor.

Furthermore, the court noted that the individual had not initially disclosed his criminal history when applying for naturalization. It emphasized that the justice ministry's decision was not excessive, as the foreigner is still permitted to stay in South Korea on his F-6 marriage migrant visa and may reapply for naturalization at a later date.