Ministry seeks to halt distributions of anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets
Fresh and Original Version
It's June 11, 2025, and South Korea's new administration, led by President Lee Jae-myung, is cracking down on anti-Pyongyang leafleting activities along the border with North Korea. This shift in policy is a stark contrast to the prior regime, where such activities were typically encouraged as a form of protected free speech[3][5].
Koo Byung-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, recently spoke during a press briefing, urging civic groups to halt the launch of propaganda leaflets towards North Korea. The ministry believes these activities escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and jeopardize the safety of residents living near the border. This is the ministry's first official plea since the country's highest court abolished the ban on the practice in September 2023[4][5].
The Ministry of Unification is also exploring legal avenues, such as enforcing compliance with the Disaster and Safety Act and the Aviation Safety Act, and collaborating with the National Assembly to amend the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act[5]. Analysts see these moves as a clear break from previous policy and a potential step towards improved relations between the two Koreas[3].
In addition, South Korea has ceased broadcasting propaganda messages via loudspeakers into North Korea as part of an ongoing initiative to establish mutual trust and reduce inter-Korean tensions[1][2]. This move is indicative of a pivotal shift in policy aimed at easing tensions between the two neighboring nations[3].
A closer look:- South Korea's new administration is taking steps to halt anti-Pyongyang leafleting activities across the border, marking a significant change in policy[3][5].- The Ministry of Unification is urging civic groups to cease launching propaganda leaflets towards North Korea, citing safety concerns and tension escalation[4][5].- The ministry is considering legal measures, such as enforcing compliance with the Disaster and Safety Act and the Aviation Safety Act, and collaborating with the National Assembly to revise the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act[5].- South Korea has ceased broadcasting propaganda messages via loudspeakers into North Korea as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions and restore mutual trust[1][2]. Analysts view this move as a significant policy shift towards improving relations between the two Koreas[3].
The government of South Korea, under President Lee Jae-myung, is not only urging a halt to anti-Pyongyang leafleting activities but also exploring legal avenues such as the Disaster and Safety Act and the Aviation Safety Act, in a potential step to improve relations with North Korea and reduce war-and-conflicts tensions [1][2][3][4][5]. In line with this, the Ministry of Unification has also ceased broadcasting propaganda messages via loudspeakers, signifying a shift in general-news and politics towards easing tensions and rebuilding trust [1][2].
