Lee Nak-yeon: "Rent Reduction Should Be Encouraged by System Rather Than Relying on Individual Goodwill"

Criticism of US Law Banning North Korean Leaflet Drops: "Regrettable Overlooking of South Korean Circumstances"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the 21st, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated regarding the 'Rent Freeze Act' being discussed in the political sphere, "We should not rely solely on the goodwill of individual landlords, but also promote good deeds through institutional measures in parallel to increase effectiveness."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Lee said, "It is necessary to reinforce the effectiveness of the already implemented system and to ease the rent burden during disasters and calamities."

He added, "I understand that the party's Policy Committee is already reviewing this," and said, "We will announce to the public as soon as the government-party negotiations on rent support for businesses subject to closure or restrictions are finalized."

He also expressed regret over criticisms of the 'Anti-North Korea Leaflet Act' raised by some in the U.S. political sphere that day. Lee said, "It regulates leaflet distribution within a minimum scope," and added, "It is regrettable that some in the U.S. Congress overlook Korea's circumstances and mention reconsideration of the revised law."

He emphasized, "Although it is said to infringe on freedom of expression and go against the promotion of North Korean human rights, there are misunderstandings and distortions based on incorrect information," and stressed, "The distribution of leaflets toward North Korea threatens the lives and safety of 1.12 million residents in border areas."

He continued, "If leaflets are distributed in areas where military forces of both South and North Korea are heavily deployed, armed clashes may occur, threatening residents' safety and potentially escalating into larger battles," and noted, "In October 2014, North Korea fired anti-aircraft guns at leaflets, and our military responded with counterfire, creating a near-crisis situation."

He concluded, "Freedom of expression must be respected, but it cannot take precedence over the safety of the people," and added, "The revised Inter-Korean Relations Development Act does not impose a general restriction on freedom of expression but applies only to leaflet distribution north of the Military Demarcation Line. It regulates leaflet distribution within the minimum necessary scope."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.