[Full Press Conference] Gyeonggi-do Sets 'Paju, Yeoncheon, Gimpo' as Danger Zones

Hello, I am Kim Seong-jung, the First Deputy Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

Today's briefing is a measure taken in response to Governor Kim Dong-yeon's directive issued just before yesterday's National Assembly inspection, instructing to actively consider designating danger zones to prevent the act of distributing leaflets to North Korea.

Currently, inter-Korean relations have rapidly deteriorated, creating a serious situation where the lives and safety of residents in border areas are threatened.

Recently, the number of contaminated balloons has nearly tripled to 6,625, and North Korea, claiming drone infiltration, is even threatening that a tragedy may occur.

In particular, military movements have been detected, such as North Korea issuing preliminary orders for full firing readiness to eight artillery brigades, and the possibility of shelling cannot be ruled out if leaflets are distributed to North Korea.

Accordingly, the anxiety and suffering of residents in border areas are increasing. More and more residents in these areas are complaining that they cannot sleep without taking medicine due to the contaminated balloons flying incessantly and the ghost-like broadcasts from the South.

Gyeonggi Province considers the act of distributing leaflets to North Korea as a dangerously provocative act that could trigger military conflict.

The primary responsibility of Gyeonggi Province is to protect the lives and safety of its residents.

Therefore, to prevent the distribution of leaflets that threaten the lives and safety of residents, three areas?Paju City, Gimpo City, and Yeoncheon County?will be designated as danger zones in accordance with the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety.

In the areas designated as danger zones, the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit will be deployed to strictly crack down on leaflet distribution activities and hold those responsible accountable.

Under the current Judicial Police Duties Act, violations of prohibited or restricted acts in danger zones will be subject to criminal investigation.

Additionally, under the Disaster and Safety Act, violations of orders prohibiting or restricting entry and activities related to leaflet distribution may result in imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Gyeonggi Province will mobilize all available administrative power to prevent illegal acts with a heavy sense of responsibility that peace in the border areas is a matter of life and safety for residents beyond just the province's citizens.

We ask for your understanding that this designation of danger zones is the minimum administrative measure to protect the lives and safety of residents and request your active cooperation.

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