PYONGYANG: In a recent development, North Korea has strongly criticized South Korea for overturning a law that previously prohibited private activists from sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets to the North.
North Korea views such activities as psychological warfare and has issued a warning of a potential retaliatory “shower of shells.”
This statement, published by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency, is noteworthy as it marks the first time that state media has commented on South Korea’s decision. The move to repeal the law came in September when South Korea’s Constitutional Court invalidated a 2020 law that had criminalized leafleting. The court’s decision was based on concerns that the law had unduly restricted freedom of speech and came in response to a complaint filed by North Korean defector activists residing in South Korea.
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Among these activists, Park Sang-hak stands out, having been a frequent target of North Korean government ire for his longstanding campaign involving the use of large helium-filled balloons to send leaflets across the border. These leaflets contain critiques of Kim Jong Un’s leadership, objections to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and condemnations of the country’s human rights record. Often, the leaflets are bundled with US dollar bills and USB sticks containing information about global news.
North Korea remains highly sensitive to any external efforts that may undermine the authoritarian rule of Kim Jong Un. This sensitivity is underscored by Kim’s firm grip on the country’s 26 million citizens and his stringent control over their access to foreign news.
The repeal of the leafleting ban in South Korea has provoked this strong response from North Korea, adding to the complex dynamics between the two nations. The situation raises concerns about potential tensions in the region and is a point of discussion in upcoming talks between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and South Korean allies regarding North Korea’s military nuclear program and its growing alignment with Russia.
