A police riot squad vehicle stands by near the entrance of Imjingak in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 16, in preparation for a possible launch of anti-North Korea leaflets. / Yonhap News

The government announced on June 16 that it would activate a preemptive surveillance system to prevent the distribution of anti-North Korea leaflets, including the constant deployment of police forces in key areas. It is also considering revising certain laws to enhance the effectiveness of penalties for such actions. This swift response follows President Lee Jae-myung’s directive to devise countermeasures.

The Ministry of Unification said that a meeting chaired by the Director-General of its Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Office was held with relevant agencies to discuss comprehensive measures for both preventing and responding to anti-North Korea leaflet launches. Attendees included representatives from the National Security Office, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of National Defense, the National Police Agency, Gyeonggi Province, and Ganghwa County.

The government decided to deploy both mobile and local police units to key border areas where leaflet launches frequently occur. It will also collaborate with local governments and related agencies in its response. Special judicial police from local governments will increase patrols in high-risk areas and establish a system for constant mobilization in designated danger zones.

On the legal front, the government affirmed that current laws can be applied to regulate leaflet launches. These include the Aviation Safety Act, the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, the High-Pressure Gas Safety Control Act, and the Public Waters Management and Reclamation Act. The Ministry of Unification said, “If necessary, we will establish detailed criteria for effective regulation and punishment.”

To further ensure effective enforcement, the government is considering partial revisions to laws such as the Aviation Safety Act. One proposal under consideration would require government approval for flying any object tied to a balloon, regardless of weight, similar to how anti-North Korea leaflets are launched. A bill to this effect is already pending in the National Assembly. Currently, the Aviation Safety Act requires a permit only if the payload exceeds 2 kilograms.

The government will also support legislative efforts to pass the proposed revision to the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act before Korea’s National Liberation Day (August 15). The revision includes introducing a “reporting system” for anti-North Korea leaflet launches.

In September 2023, the Constitutional Court ruled that the current law banning leaflet distribution violates freedom of expression. The government’s aim to pass the amendment before Korea’s National Liberation Day has led to speculation that President Lee may include key messages on unification and North Korea in his Liberation Day address.

The government also plans to strengthen communication with groups involved in leaflet campaigns through regular discussions, urging them to cease activities and comply with current laws. The previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration was criticized for not taking similar measures even when inter-Korean tensions escalated due to their activities. The Ministry of Unification said, “We will strongly request civic groups to halt leaflet launches through guidance and public outreach,” adding, “This will help foster peace on the Korean Peninsula and protect the lives and safety of residents in border regions.”

To respond effectively to leaflet activities, the government will establish a communication framework among related agencies for regular and ad-hoc consultations. Small-group discussions will also be held as necessary. The government reiterated its focus on “protecting the lives and safety of the people” in dealing with the leaflet issue, contrasting with the previous administration’s greater emphasis on “freedom of expression.” The Ministry of Unification concluded, “All participating agencies agreed that protecting peace on the Korean Peninsula and the safety of border-area residents is a vital responsibility of the state.”

The government reiterated its focus on “protecting the lives and safety of the people” in dealing with the leaflet issue, contrasting with the previous administration’s greater emphasis on freedom of expression. The Ministry of Unification said, “All participating agencies agreed that protecting peace on the Korean Peninsula and the safety of border-area residents is a vital responsibility of the state.”