Gyeonggi Province Launches Investigation into Surprise Anti-North Korea Leaflet Distribution on April 27

On April 27, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government immediately launched an investigation after the Families of Abductees Association conducted a surprise distribution of anti-North Korea leaflets at Imjingak in Paju in the early morning hours.

According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government on April 28, the Families of Abductees Association released eight anti-North Korea leaflets using balloons at around 12:20 a.m. on April 27 at Imjingak in Paju. It is estimated that none of the eight balloons crossed the Military Demarcation Line and instead fell near Yeoncheon, Dongducheon, and Jeokseong in Paju. One balloon that fell in Choseong-ri, Cheongsan-myeon, Yeoncheon County, was retrieved by the Special Judicial Police on the afternoon of April 27 after being reported by a resident.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government plans to immediately refer the individuals and organizations responsible for the leaflet distribution to the prosecution upon completion of the investigation.

In addition, the government plans to strengthen patrols and monitoring activities in dangerous and border areas.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Since October 16 of last year, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government has designated three cities and counties?Paju, Yeoncheon, and Gimpo (excluding military bases)?as dangerous zones based on the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety. The release of anti-North Korea leaflets in these designated areas is strictly prohibited.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government operates a situation room at the Imjingak DMZ Ecotourism Center and deploys more than 130 personnel, including the Special Judicial Police, city and county officials, police, and voluntary security patrols. They conduct patrols not only in the designated dangerous zones but also in adjacent border areas such as Pocheon and Goyang.

Ki Ido, head of the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Corps, stated, "The surprise leaflet distribution by the Families of Abductees Association is a clear illegal act that undermines the rule of law. We express deep regret and strongly urge an immediate halt to such actions." He added, "The Gyeonggi Provincial Government will further strengthen patrols and monitoring in dangerous zones to prevent the recurrence of such illegal acts and will take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of residents."