Korea, EU strike deal on sharing passenger data 

Korea has signed an initial agreement to share passenger name record (PNR) data with the European Union, marking the first deal of its kind by an Asian nation, the customs agency said on Monday.

According to the Korea Customs Service, PNR data includes the date of ticket issuance, flight itineraries, accompanying travelers and baggage information, all of which are essential for screening high-risk travelers at the border.

The agency said that sharing such information with EU authorities had previously been limited due to personal data protection regulations.

"As only a limited number of countries, such as the United States, Canada and Australia, have similar agreements with the EU, the latest progress indicates Korea has established a crime response system in line with advanced nations," the agency said in a release.

The Korea Customs Service said that the agreement, once officially signed and implemented, will help Korea more effectively address attempts to smuggle hazardous materials, including drugs and firearms.

Korea and the EU will make efforts to implement the agreement in the first half of 2027, the agency added.

Yonhap