Ministry of Unification on US Congress North Korea Leaflet Law Hearing: "Different Nature from Domestic Hearings"

[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo]The Ministry of Unification stated that it "understands that the nature of the virtual hearing on the Act on Prohibition of Leaflets against North Korea, scheduled by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress on the 15th, is very different from the hearings held in the domestic National Assembly."

On the 9th, Deputy Spokesperson Cha Deok-cheol of the Ministry of Unification said regarding the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing, "The Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing differs in nature from domestic hearings as it does not have decision-making authority and is closer to a policy research meeting."

He added, "Regarding the amendment to the Act on the Development of Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation, we plan to continue close communication and cooperation with the diplomatic authorities to ensure that the voices of residents in border areas related to the protection of life and safety are reflected in a balanced manner."

The Ministry did not issue any particular stance on the unusual situation of a hearing on leaflets against North Korea being held in the U.S. Congress.

Deputy Spokesperson Cha added, "It would be appropriate to confirm the position on the parts of the hearing dealing with internal Korean issues through the diplomatic authorities."

The Act on Prohibition of Leaflets against North Korea amends the Act on the Development of Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation and stipulates that broadcasting loudspeakers, posting visual materials, or distributing leaflets against North Korea around the Military Demarcation Line can be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. The Ministry of Unification explained that the purpose of the amendment is to harmonize human rights values such as enhancing the right to know of North Korean residents with values like protecting the life and safety of residents in border areas.

On the 8th (local time), the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission announced the hearing schedule on its website under the title "Civil and Political Rights in South Korea: Implications for Human Rights on the Korean Peninsula." The commission introduced the background of the hearing, stating that the human rights situation in North Korea, a closed authoritarian state, is widely recognized as extremely poor, and that there are concerns that the Act on Prohibition of Leaflets against North Korea may hinder efforts to improve human rights in North Korea.