Man Arrested for Launching Leaflets into North Korea from Incheon

A man in his 40s has been arrested by police in Incheon for allegedly launching 'North Korean leaflets' from Ganghwa Island. This marks the first criminal case since President Lee Jae-myung ordered strict measures against the distribution of such leaflets.

The Incheon Police Agency's Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit reported on June 17 that the suspect, identified as A, was apprehended for violating the Aviation Safety Act. He is accused of sending balloons carrying leaflets towards North Korea on the night of June 13. The balloons reportedly landed in areas such as Hajeom-myeon and Yangsa-myeon in Ganghwa County. Authorities traced A's identity through a religious organization mentioned in the leaflets, which contained biblical content but did not criticize the North Korean regime.

While A has admitted to launching the leaflets, he has not provided specific reasons for his actions. Police believe that around ten individuals may have participated in the leaflet distribution and plan to expand their investigation.

The primary charge against A is a violation of the Aviation Safety Act, as launching items weighing over 2 kg without permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport constitutes a breach of this law. Authorities estimate that the weight of the leaflets and balloons exceeded this limit.

Additionally, police are considering charges related to violations of the High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Act and the Disaster and Safety Act. If A transported high-pressure gas without registering with local authorities, it could also be a legal violation. Last November, Ganghwa County designated the entire island as a 'danger zone' under the Disaster and Safety Act, prohibiting leaflet distribution.

On the same day, the Incheon Police Agency deployed 125 officers to Ganghwa Island, enhancing inspections at key bridges to prevent vehicles carrying North Korean leaflets from entering the area. The Gangwon Police Agency has also issued guidelines to its local stations, stating that individuals entering the danger zone may be immediately detained if they refuse to comply with police requests.