Gyeonggi-do Indefinitely Extends Period for Designating Risk Zones to Prevent North Korean Leaflet Distribution

Until Further Notice... Considering Continuous Leaflet Distribution Attempts by Groups
Kim Seong-jung, First Deputy Governor, Announces Change in Danger Zone Period for Resident Safety
Concerns Over Danger in Border Areas Due to Persistent Leaflet Distribution Attempts and North Korean Threats

Gyeonggi Province will indefinitely extend the period for the designated risk zones to prevent the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, which was initially scheduled to end at the end of this month. This measure is taken considering the survival rights and safety of residents in the border areas amid ongoing announcements of leaflet distribution by certain groups.

On the afternoon of the 26th, Kim Seong-jung, the First Deputy Governor of Administration, is announcing details related to the designation of a risk zone to prevent the distribution of leaflets to North Korea at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government briefing room. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Earlier, on October 16, the province designated three cities and counties in the northern border area of Gyeonggi?Yeoncheon, Paju, and Gimpo?as risk zones and issued an administrative order prohibiting entry and activities aimed at distributing leaflets to North Korea until October 30.

On the 26th, Kim Seong-jung, the First Deputy Governor of Gyeonggi Province, held a press conference at the provincial government office and announced that the risk zone designation period would be changed to “from October 16, 2024, until the designation is lifted.”

Deputy Governor Kim explained, “After reviewing the extension of the risk zone designation period from various perspectives, we decided to proceed with the extension considering that weather conditions allowing leaflet distribution to North Korea persist even in winter, and that threats from North Korea regarding leaflet distribution continue, endangering the survival rights of residents in the border areas.”

The province plans to change the risk zone designation period for preventing leaflet distribution to “until further notice,” continuing strict enforcement and comprehensively deciding the timing for lifting the designation based on future conditions.

Gyeonggi Province stated that currently, about 120 personnel?including the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police, city and county officials, and police?patrol the designated risk zones daily in cooperation, and a 24-hour on-site response system is in place. Since the administrative order was enacted, there have been no reports of leaflet distribution within the risk zones.

Separately, North Korea had sent over 6,600 contaminated balloons in 28 instances until the risk zones were designated on May 28, but since the designation, only about 90 balloons have been sent in three instances.

Additionally, Gyeonggi Province has referred two groups involved in leaflet distribution to the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office for investigation on charges of violating the Aviation Safety Act. The province also plans to install soundproof windows in 46 households in Minbuk Village, which has suffered significant damage from North Korean propaganda broadcasts, and will continue to provide temporary housing support and medical services such as health checkup buses until the situation is resolved.

Deputy Governor Kim emphasized, “Gyeonggi Province will mobilize all available administrative resources to protect the residents’ wholesome lives and will strictly hold accountable those who threaten the safety of the residents without compromise. We ask for your understanding that this extension of the risk zone designation period is an unavoidable administrative measure to protect the lives and safety of the residents, and we request your active cooperation despite any inconvenience.”

Meanwhile, violations of the orders prohibiting or restricting entry and activities related to leaflet distribution to North Korea may result in imprisonment for up to one year or fines up to 10 million won.