On July 15, the South Korean Ministry of Unification noted it as unusual that Kim Yo Jong, Deputy Department Director of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, criticized the distribution of leaflets by a North Korean defector group. She also released photos showing the burning of leaflets sent from the South.
In a regular briefing, Koo Byung Sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said, “We see the disclosure of North Korea burning leaflets as very unusual,” and added, “We will keep an eye on what intentions they may have.”
Regarding Kim Yo Jong’s suggestion of resending garbage balloons, Koo reaffirmed the government’s existing position, stating, “Our government will take measures that North Korea will find difficult to endure against their senseless and crude provocations involving balloon-borne waste.”
In a statement from the previous day, Kim Yo Jong reported that leaflets from the South were discovered once more in the border area. She warned, “These troublesome acts will wear out South Koreans, who should be prepared for the consequences of their dirty deeds.” Additionally, she released photos through the Korean Central News Agency that appeared to show anti-North leaflets being burned.
In response to a question regarding whether the Ministry of Unification has confirmed the distribution of leaflets by South Korean defector groups, Koo stated, “The Ministry of Unification does not individually confirm the autonomous distribution of leaflets by private organizations.”
In response to concerns about increasing anxiety among border residents due to the ongoing conflict between the South’s private organizations’ anti-North leaflets and North Korea’s garbage balloons since May, Koo explained, “The leaflet distribution itself is approached by the Constitutional Court’s decision to protect freedom of expression,” and added, “If necessary, appropriate measures can be taken considering the local situation.”