Lee Jae-myung "Foreigners Are Mocking South Korea by Flying Balloons Toward North Korea" Laments

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, demanded strict punishment and forced deportation in response to media reports that a foreign missionary was repeatedly caught flying balloons toward North Korea.

On the 4th, Lee posted on Facebook, "A foreign missionary was caught flying balloons toward North Korea after trespassing into a danger zone under the Disaster Management Act in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province," and pointed out the seriousness of the situation, saying, "Previously, the missionary also flew balloons toward North Korea in Ganghwa Island, Incheon, and has shown an intention to continue doing so."

He added, "If you want to do missionary work, it must be done legally and legitimately within the national order," and lamented, "A foreigner entering another country is not only disrespecting laws and order but is committing crimes and repeatedly implying criminal acts, mocking the Republic of Korea and its people."

He continued, "A foreigner harming the security of the Republic of Korea and endangering the lives and safety of its citizens is tantamount to espionage," and argued, "There must be strict punishment and deportation measures for crimes that threaten national security and public safety, especially when they are committed habitually and repeatedly, not just accidentally or once."

Furthermore, he said, "In Gyeonggi Province, three teams of the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police are on emergency standby in border areas together with the police," and added, "They have been instructed to arrest offenders on the spot immediately upon detection and impose severe punishment, and to request arrest warrants for those who intentionally and repeatedly violate the law."

Lee also stated, "We will request the Ministry of Justice to enforce criminal punishment followed by forced deportation for foreigners," and urged, "If you discover leaflets or goods being sent to the North from Gyeonggi Province, please report directly to Gyeonggi Province (031-120) as well as the police."

He emphasized, "A horrific war where many people die and all achievements are destroyed cannot be justified for any reason, and the lives and safety of the people and national security are the highest priorities of our community," adding, "This is why a dirty peace is better than a glorious victory."

Earlier, on the 17th of last month, Gyeonggi Province designated five areas?Pocheon, Paju, Gimpo, Goyang, and Yeoncheon County?as 'danger zones,' viewing the distribution of leaflets toward North Korea as an act threatening the lives and safety of residents.

Accordingly, access by those involved in distributing leaflets toward North Korea is controlled in these areas, and the preparation, transportation, distribution, and use of related materials such as leaflets are prohibited. This is the first time a danger zone has been established in relation to the distribution of leaflets toward North Korea.