Representatives of a North Korea-focused organization have been referred to prosecutors for launching balloons containing anti-North Korean propaganda in border regions.
The Yeoncheon Police Station announced on the 19th that they have forwarded 20 individuals, including a representative identified as A in his 60s, to prosecutors. The charges include violations of the Aviation Safety Act, the High-Pressure Gas Safety Act, and the Disaster and Safety Management Act.
A and his associates are accused of launching balloons towards North Korea from the Paju and Yeoncheon areas between January of last year and April of this year. These balloons were filled with medical supplies, instant noodles, snacks, leaflets, and USB drives.
The leaflets and USB drives contained materials critical of the North Korean regime.
To avoid detection by law enforcement, the group released the balloons during late-night hours, when activity in the area was minimal.
The regions of Yeoncheon, Paju, and Gimpo were designated as danger zones by the provincial government in October of last year. This designation, made under the Disaster and Safety Management Act, prohibits the distribution of anti-North Korean materials.
This designation is a measure implemented under the Basic Act on Disaster and Safety Management, which restricts the entry and activities of individuals involved in distributing anti-North Korean propaganda.
Law enforcement consolidated 26 cases from various police stations and determined that the charges against A and the others were substantiated, leading to their referral to prosecutors.
A police spokesperson noted that distributing anti-North Korean propaganda is a criminal act that endangers residents in border areas and said authorities will continue to respond firmly according to law and established principles.