Gyeonggi Province Designates Three Regions including Paju, Yeoncheon, and Gimpo as 'Danger Zones'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] On the 15th, Gyeonggi Province designated 11 locations across three cities and counties—Paju, Yeoncheon, and Gimpo—as 'danger zones.'

Administrative Vice-governor Kim Sung-joong stated at a press briefing that afternoon, "The provincial government's primary responsibility is to protect the lives and safety of residents," and explained, "To prevent anti-North Korean leaflet distribution that threatens residents' lives and safety, we have made this designation in accordance with the 'Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety.'"

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police will be deployed to the areas designated as danger zones to strongly crack down on anti-North Korean leaflet distribution activities and hold those responsible accountable.

The current Police Officers Duty Act stipulates that violations of prohibited or restricted activities in danger zones shall be subject to criminal charges and investigation.

Additionally, under the Disaster and Safety Management Act, violators of entry prohibition or conduct restrictions related to anti-North Korean leaflet distribution are subject to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Administrative Vice-governor Kim Sung-joong stated, "With a sense of grave responsibility that peace in the border area is a matter that protects residents' lives and safety beyond provincial residents, the province will mobilize all available administrative resources to prevent illegal activities," and urged, "We ask for your understanding that this designation of danger zones is a minimum administrative measure to protect residents' lives and safety, and for your active cooperation."