Seoul To Tackle Anti-Pyongyang Leaflet Launches

SEOUL, June 15 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered Saturday to come up with measures to prevent the launch of anti-Pyongyang leaflets in areas bordering with North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The president's order followed a report that a civic group had launched anti-Pyongyang leaflets from Ganghwa Island in Incheon, west of Seoul, earlier in the day, presidential spokeswoman Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing.

Police have since launched an investigation into three balloons discovered in Ganghwa and Gimpo City. These balloons reportedly contained Bible booklets and snacks, but no leaflets with content criticising the North Korean regime.

"The government has previously said the illegal distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets should be halted, as it could jeopardise the safety of border area residents and escalate military tensions on the Korean Peninsula," she said, adding that the government "takes violators' actions very seriously."

She warned of "stern measures" against those responsible.

The government is scheduled to discuss comprehensive measures against anti-Pyongyang leaflets launches on Monday.

Earlier this week, Lee had ordered relevant government agencies to devise measures to counter such launches.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP