Seoul: The ruling Democratic Party (DP) has announced plans to push for a vote on a revised bill that bans anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns during this month's parliamentary session. This legislative effort follows President Lee Jae Myung's commitment to cease leaflet campaigns and loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Moon Jin-seok, the DP's senior deputy floor leader, informed reporters at the National Assembly of their intention to pass the bill in July. The DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, is contemplating fast-tracking the bill due to anticipated opposition from the foreign affairs and unification committee, chaired by the main opposition, the People Power Party.
The Democratic Party also intends to address issues related to the cumulative voting system and the easing of the breach of trust law, which have been urged by the business community. These matters are to be considered alongside the leaflet ban legislation.
The initial revision of the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act in March 2021 criminalized the launching of anti-Pyongyang leaflets, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of 30 million won (approximately US$22,172). However, in 2023, South Korea's Constitutional Court declared the ban unconstitutional, citing excessive restrictions on freedom of expression. The DP aims to propose a revised bill that aligns with the court's concerns while maintaining the ban.
In South Korea, groups of North Korean defectors have historically used balloon campaigns to send leaflets across the border, claiming these efforts aim to liberate North Koreans from the oppressive regime. Such activities have consistently fueled tensions between the two Koreas.