Ministry of Unification: "Hearing on Anti-North Korea Leaflet Law Not an Issue Affecting ROK-US Alliance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 15th, the Ministry of Unification judged that the hearing held by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress regarding South Korea's 'Law Prohibiting Anti-North Korea Leaflets' (Amendment to the Act on the Development of Inter-Korean Relations) is not an issue that would negatively affect the ROK-U.S. alliance.

An official from the Ministry of Unification said to reporters on the same day, "This is not an issue that should be discussed in terms of the ROK-U.S. alliance," explaining this position.

The official explained that the purpose of the law prohibiting anti-North Korea leaflets is to protect the lives and safety of residents in border areas and to ensure that this right can be harmoniously guaranteed alongside various rights such as freedom of expression and North Korean residents' right to access information, and that it is not directly related to the ROK-U.S. alliance.

He added, "The government has explained the purpose and intent of the amendment to the Act on the Development of Inter-Korean Relations to various sectors including the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and human rights organizations," and said, "During this hearing process as well, the government will continue to explain so that its position is reflected and conveyed in a balanced manner."