The Democratic Party of Korea and the government agreed that they need to strengthen preventive measures beyond post-response actions regarding the issue of heightened tensions in border areas due to the illegal distribution of leaflets targeting North Korea. To this end, there is a plan to promote amendments to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act, the Aviation Safety Act, and the Police Job Execution Act in this regular National Assembly session. However, regarding the push for fast track designation, they drew a line by saying it is "premature."
Hong Jung-ae, chair of the Democratic Party of Korea's policy committee, met with reporters after a party-government consultation with the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, the Public Administration and Security Committee, and the Policy Committee held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 2nd. She noted, "During the previous administration, the government enabled the distribution organizations to boldly distribute leaflets targeting North Korea, exacerbating tensions and using it as a part of insurrection." She further stated, "We discussed how to fundamentally improve the system regarding leaflets targeting North Korea, particularly in terms of easing tensions in border areas and ensuring safety to prevent this from happening again."
According to the chair of the policy committee, the Korean National Police Agency reported at the meeting that it is "actively managing under the current Police Job Execution Act," but explained that there are limitations to on-site enforcement due to the nature of leaflet distribution being widespread without reporting. In response, the party and government decided to consider measures to clearly reflect provisions for risk prevention in border areas within the Police Job Execution Act.
The Democratic Party of Korea's recently selected "224 key processing bills for the regular National Assembly session" includes amendments to the Police Job Execution Act, the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act, and the Aviation Safety Act for regulating leaflets targeting North Korea.
However, a cautious attitude was shown regarding whether to designate the ban on the distribution of leaflets targeting North Korea (amendment to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act) for fast track. The chair of the policy committee stated, "First, discussions with the opposition party are a priority," adding, "Mentioning the fast track in a situation where discussions have not progressed itself feels premature."
The ban on the distribution of leaflets targeting North Korea is currently being reintroduced by ruling party lawmakers after the Constitutional Court ruled some provisions unconstitutional in 2023. The court acknowledged the legislative intent to protect the life and physical safety of residents in border areas but pointed out that the provision of "up to 3 years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won for leaflet distribution" excessively restricts freedom of expression, thus deeming it unconstitutional.