2024 Gyeonggi Provincial Settlement Gyeonggi Province Protected Residents from North Korean Filth Balloons and Anti-South Loudspeaker Broadcasts

Since late May, damage from North Korean filth balloons has been occurring throughout Gyeonggi Province. Additionally, residents in border areas have suffered from noise damage caused by anti-South loudspeaker broadcasts.

Gyeonggi Province prioritized residents' safety and implemented various support measures to manage the situation and protect residents' right to survive and maintain peace.

■ Provided 76.56 Million Won Support for 19 Filth Balloon Damage Cases

The province established and operated the 'Gyeonggi Province Emergency Preparedness Control Room' for one month from June 2 in preparation for emergencies caused by North Korean filth balloons. The control room coordinated with the Capital Garrison, 1st Army Corps, 5th Army Corps, Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency, Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency, Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Management Headquarters, and Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Management Headquarters to conduct real-time response including collection and surveillance.

Property damage reported from filth balloons amounts to 19 cases totaling 76.56 million won, including vehicle damage, roof damage to houses, damage to vinyl greenhouses, factory fires, and physical injuries. The province completed payments for all damages from August through the end of November.

■ Set Danger Zones to Prevent Anti-North Leaflet Distribution, Extended Indefinitely

As damage to residents continued from North Korean filth balloons in response to civic organizations' anti-North leaflet distribution, the province designated Paju City, Yeoncheon County, and Gimpo City as danger zones on October 16 to prevent anti-North leaflet distribution activities.

In consideration of residents' right to survive and safety in border areas, approximately 120 personnel including the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Unit, city and county officials, and police patrol daily in danger zones, and a 24-hour emergency response system has been established.

From May 28 until the designation of danger zones, North Korea sent approximately 6,600 filth balloons in 28 instances. However, after the designation of danger zones, only about 90 balloons were distributed in 3 instances. Accordingly, the province extended the danger zone designation period indefinitely, which was originally set to expire on November 30, to ensure residents' safety.

Prior to designating danger zones, the province also referred two anti-North leaflet distribution organizations to police for investigation on suspicion of violating the Aviation Safety Act. As a result of the investigation, the charges were substantiated, and both organizations were referred to the prosecution in November.

At the end of October, when the Association of Abductee Families announced plans for anti-North leaflet distribution, Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province, who was on a visit to the Netherlands, presided over an emergency situation briefing video conference on the early morning of October 31.

Governor Kim issued special directives to △make residents' safety in response to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula the top priority of provincial governance △establish an emergency response system △build an organic cooperation framework among relevant agencies including Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Unit, Paju City Office, police, and fire departments △strengthen patrols in areas other than Paju where anti-North leaflets could be sent.

■ Provided Support to 46 Households with Soundproof Window Installation and Medical Services for Anti-South Loudspeaker Noise Damage

In border areas, North Korean anti-South loudspeaker noise continued for months, and residents voiced extreme suffering. With relentless noise including animal sounds, ghost sounds, and siren sounds day and night, residents have been threatened by health issues including sleep disorders, stress, and anxiety.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province held an emergency on-site meeting with residents affected by anti-South loudspeaker noise at Camp Greaves in Paju on October 23 and listened to the voices of Daeseong-dong village residents.

Governor Kim issued three immediate directives on the spot: △installation of soundproof facilities in Daeseong-dong village △immediate deployment of health checkup vehicles and two 'Heart-at-Ease Buses (for trauma screening and treatment)' △arrangement of resident shelters and temporary lodging.

Governor Kim embraced residents expressing their suffering and urged, "Don't delay. Start construction even tomorrow and finish at the earliest possible time."

Subsequently, the province completed field measurements and design for windows in 46 households in Daeseong-dong village to reduce loudspeaker noise, began on-site construction in early December, and completed 15 households. The province plans to complete all construction by December 27.

In addition, from October 24, four shelter spaces were created within Camp Greaves for psychological stability and treatment of hearing loss, and health checkup vehicles and Heart-at-Ease Buses were deployed to provide medical services including psychological counseling and hearing tests to 252 residents.

For temporary lodging support, 24 rooms were leased within Gyeonggi Future Education Paju Campus from October 24, and 286 people have used them to date. Daeseong-dong village residents who stayed in temporary lodging have expressed gratitude, saying they are finding stability through the province's support.

The province plans to continue to monitor the situation and seek ways to reduce damage to residents and maintain peace.