Paju: A South Korean civic group representing families of individuals abducted by North Korea has announced its decision to cease the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. This decision marks a significant shift in the group's approach to advocating for the abductees.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi Seong-ryong, the head of the group, conveyed this decision during a joint press conference held with the Paju municipal government. The announcement comes less than a year after the group had resumed its leafleting activities in the border city. Choi revealed that the decision was influenced by communications from key South Korean officials, including Unification Minister nominee Chung Dong-young, Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung, and Rep. Yoon Hu-duk.
During the press conference held at Imjingak in Paju, Choi stated, "I was swayed after I received a call from Unification Minister nominee Chung Dong-young, Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung and Rep. Yoon Hu-duk. I promise to the people that we will outright halt sending newsletters on abducted family members from today forward."
Choi further urged other groups involved in the leaflet campaigns to also suspend their activities. This move, he suggested, is aimed at aiding President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to foster dialogue with North Korea. Last month, President Lee directed the government to develop strategies to prevent and penalize the dissemination of anti-Pyongyang leaflets, with the objective of reducing inter-Korean tensions.