Kim Hong-gul: "Kim Yo-jong's Command Law? Restrictions on North Korea Leaflets Also Existed During Park Administration"

Kim Hong-gul, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Kim Hong-gul, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said regarding the bill to ban the distribution of leaflets to North Korea that "this has been a matter discussed in the past."

In an interview on June 8 with CBS Radio's 'Sisa Jaki Jung Kwan-yong,' Rep. Kim stated, "The Minister of Unification under the Park Geun-hye administration also officially said that leaflets to North Korea do not help in carrying out North Korea policy."

He continued, "Since the groups of North Korean defectors argued it was a matter of freedom of expression, the court ruled that freedom of expression can be partially restricted to protect the safety and lives of the people and national security," adding, "However, no legal measures had been put in place. The Democratic Party tried several times, but the Liberty Korea Party at the time did not cooperate, so it did not pass. This time, we are trying again."

He further explained, "Until now, any contact or sending of goods between South and North Korea requires the approval of the Minister of Unification, but leaflets to North Korea were the only exception," and said, "You cannot send them by ship with approval but send them by balloon without approval. The procedure is to report to and get approval from the Ministry of Unification."

Rep. Kim added, "There is strong opposition from residents in border areas," and said, "We are currently asking the government to come up with some measures, and we cannot disregard their opinions."

Regarding criticism from opposition parties calling it the 'Kim Yo-jong directive law,' he said, "If First Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong of the North Korean Workers' Party demanded it, such a statement could be made, but this has been something intended for a long time," and pointed out, "Kim Yo-jong's remarks made us realize that such a system had still not been established."

Rep. Kim also claimed, "Recently, there have been reports that some North Korean defector organizations have issues with financial transparency," and said, "There is also a side where sending leaflets to North Korea is used as a means to receive donations. The purity of their intentions should be questioned."

Regarding the North Korean defector groups' announcement to distribute one million leaflets on the 25th, he said, "They cannot be punished, but I think the police will crack down somewhat. Residents are very distressed," and added, "If they fall on our side, wouldn't it be similar to throwing a kind of trash?"