Gov. Lee Jae-myung Defends Ban on Leaflets to North Korea: "Necessary Measures for Safety of Gyeonggi Residents"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province countered criticism of the province's ban on leaflet distribution to North Korea by responding on social media to National Assembly member Ha Tae-kyung and Professor Kim Keun-sik.

On the 18th, Governor Lee posted on his Facebook page a message titled "Absurd Political Agitation by Assembly Member Ha Tae-kyung and Professor Kim Keun-sik," stating, "There are fake conservatives who, disregarding national security and public safety, provocatively target North Korea for political gain."

Regarding Professor Kim Keun-sik's remark that "leaflet distribution is like a flood or landslide—some kind of disaster," Governor Lee countered, "If leaflet distribution to North Korea provokes the North, creates cracks in peace, and escalates military tensions, exposing Gyeonggi residents to military danger, that would be a 'matter of social criticism.'" He added, "How could vulgar, low-quality leaflets contribute to improving human rights in North Korea?"

Responding to Assembly Member Ha Tae-kyung's criticism that Governor Lee "doesn't even squeak at North Korea," the governor shot back, "Assembly Member Ha speaks recklessly without regard for national security or people's lives, making irresponsible 'squeaks' regardless of the consequences."

Governor Lee pledged, "As a public official elected by Gyeonggi residents, I will carefully deliberate and undertake necessary actions to ensure the trust built between North and South Korea—hard-won and difficult to maintain—is not broken, for the safety of Gyeonggi residents and national security." He concluded, "I hope both of you will come to understand that even the most costly and unpleasant peace is better than the cheapest victory won through war."

On the 17th, Gyeonggi Province designated five border cities and counties as "danger zones" and banned the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, which had become a flashpoint for deteriorating inter-Korean relations. The province also carried out an administrative action by posting a notice at the home of a leaflet distribution organization representative in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, prohibiting the use of high-pressure gas facilities for leaflet distribution.