Resumption of Leaflet Distribution 3 Weeks After 'Kim Yo-jong Statement'
JCS: "North Korea Is Responsible for All Situations"
Military authorities issued a warning statement toward North Korea, which resumed the release of filth balloons.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff, through a statement released on the 18th under the name of Nam Gi-su, Public Affairs Director (Marine Colonel), said, "Despite repeated warnings from our military, North Korea once again released filth and garbage balloons early this morning," and added, "Do not test our military's patience any further."
On the morning of the 2nd of last month, a balloon carrying waste sent from North Korea flew over Sejong-ro, Seoul, on the way to work. Photo by Heo Young-han
The Joint Chiefs criticized, "North Korea released about 7,000 petty and despicable filth and garbage balloons, causing anxiety among our citizens as well as human and material damage," and "They committed provocations that cannot be overlooked, such as dropping the trash carried by the balloons near the state guest event venue."
They continued, "North Korea's actions have crossed the line," and "We once again sternly warn that North Korea will be held responsible for all incidents that occur thereafter."
North Korea released the garbage balloons around 2:48 a.m. that day. This was the first release in three weeks since May 24, occurring shortly after Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, issued a critical statement revealing snacks and medicines that flew into North Korea along with anti-South leaflets. Counting from the end of May this year, this was the thirty-first occurrence.
On May 24, some of the garbage balloons released by North Korea burst in the air near the Presidential Office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. As a result, trash fell onto the lawn in front of the Presidential Office during the state visit welcome ceremony for Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Meanwhile, according to the Joint Chiefs, about 40 balloons were identified as released by North Korea that day, and around 20 pieces of debris were confirmed in the metropolitan area by the morning. The contents included anti-South leaflets and garbage, and military analysis concluded that there were no substances harmful to safety.
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