Seoul
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday directed officials to take steps to prevent the launch of anti-North Korea leaflets near the border. This order came after reports that a civic group had sent leaflets from Ganghwa Island in Incheon, located west of Seoul, earlier the same day, according to presidential spokeswoman Kang Yu-jung.
Kang emphasized that the government had already made it clear that such actions are illegal and can endanger the safety of border-area residents while heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula. She warned that violators would face stern measures and said the issue would be discussed in a meeting scheduled for Monday.
Earlier in the week, President Lee had instructed government agencies to come up with specific countermeasures to halt leaflet launches. On Thursday, he also announced a move to restore communication with North Korea and reduce hostilities, following the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at the North.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the 2000 inter-Korean summit, Lee expressed hope for restarting dialogue and cooperation between the two Koreas. He stressed the importance of rebuilding crisis-management systems to prevent accidental military clashes and to ease tensions.
Although Lee extended a hand for peace, it remains uncertain how North Korea will respond, given its current close ties with Russia and continued resistance to talks with both Seoul and Washington.
Lee reaffirmed his commitment to peace and cooperation, calling the 2000 summit a landmark moment and urging both sides to turn current risks into opportunities for mutual growth.
