Lee Nak-yeon "North Korean Human Rights and Freedom of Expression Cannot Take Priority Over Our Citizens' Safety"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended a meeting with representatives of residents from border areas related to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act held at the National Assembly on the 21st, greeting Kang Ju-seok, Secretary General of the National Reconciliation Committee, and Park Heung-ryeol, co-representative of the Ganghwa Citizens' Council. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 21st, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said about the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act (commonly known as the Anti-North Korean Leaflet Distribution Act) passed in this extraordinary session of the National Assembly, "Some say it infringes on 'freedom of expression' and does not help North Korean human rights, but it cannot take precedence over the life and safety of the people." As criticism of the leaflet distribution ban law continues in the U.S. political sphere, he appears to be engaging in a public opinion battle by emphasizing the inevitability of banning leaflet distribution.

At a meeting with representatives of residents from border areas related to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act held at the National Assembly that day, Lee said, "The distribution of leaflets to North Korea not only creates tension with North Korea but also threatens the safety of border areas."

He added, "This is also a common principle accepted by the international community," and emphasized, "With that in mind, the legislation was enacted, and the majority of the people agree and share that view."

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, also supported this by saying, "Recent issues raised by some in the U.S. political sphere stem from a misunderstanding of the special nature of inter-Korean relations and the safety situation in border areas," and "The U.S. also allows restrictions on expression if it causes significant harm, according to federal Supreme Court rulings."

Park Heung-ryeol, co-representative of the Ganghwa Citizens' Council and a representative of border area residents, said, "While the distribution of leaflets by defector groups may be just an event, residents living there inevitably feel fear and terror, and it also negatively affects the economy."

Song Young-gil, a Democratic Party member and chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, said, "Most agree on banning the distribution of leaflets to North Korea to protect the lives and property of residents in border areas, and U.S. lawmakers and conservative groups also acknowledge this," adding, "However, they oppose banning all leaflet distribution."

He emphasized, "This law targets leaflets sent by third countries or outside the border areas, and does not apply to other countries," and said, "If this is well explained to the U.S., concerns can be alleviated."

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