Police to Conduct Strict Investigation into Balloons Sent Toward North Korea in Ganghwa and Gimpo Areas

President Lee Orders Preventive and Punitive Measures
Deployment of Mobile Units and Preemptive Blockade Activities

The police announced on June 14 that they had discovered a total of three balloons sent toward North Korea in the areas of Ganghwa, Incheon and Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, and that they plan to conduct a strict investigation.

President Lee Jae Myung is looking at the northern area through a telescope while listening to an explanation from Division Commander Han Ki Sung at the Biryeong Observation Post of the 25th Army Division in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

The National Police Agency stated in a media notice that day, "All of the discovered balloons targeting North Korea will be investigated for violations of the Aviation Safety Act," adding, "We will also rigorously examine whether any other relevant laws have been violated."

The National Police Agency has selected areas expected to be used for balloon launches, focusing on major border regions, and has deployed mobile units and local police personnel to these locations. The agency is currently conducting preemptive activities to block the launch of leaflets toward North Korea, and plans to actively cooperate with local governments and related organizations.

President Lee Jae Myung instructed all relevant ministries to establish both preventive and punitive measures in response to the launch of leaflets toward North Korea. Kang Yoo Jung, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated, "The Lee Jae Myung administration has previously made clear its position that illegal launches of leaflets toward North Korea, which threaten the daily lives and safety of residents in border areas and could heighten military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, must be stopped," adding, "The government is taking the situation very seriously, especially since this occurred despite its clear stance."

The government plans to hold an inter-ministerial meeting led by the Ministry of Unification on June 16 to discuss comprehensive countermeasures. At a cabinet meeting on June 10, President Lee instructed that, in consultation with relevant ministries, concrete response measures?including punishment?should be established in accordance with violations of the Aviation Safety Management Act, the Disaster and Safety Act, the High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Act, and other applicable laws regarding the launch of leaflets toward North Korea.