Kim Dong-yeon Visits Daeseong-dong Over 'Loudspeaker Noise': Promises Shelter, Mind Comfort Bus, and Soundproof Windows

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is visiting Daeseong-dong village in Paju City on the 23rd and talking with the residents.

Gyeonggi Province will install soundproof windows and doors for residents of Daeseong-dong Village in Paju City, who have been suffering from loudspeaker broadcasts from North Korea. Additionally, a ‘Mind Relief Bus’ will operate to provide trauma screening and medical care for the villagers. Furthermore, a rest area and temporary lodging will be set up for residents at the nearby Tanhyeon English Village.

On the 23rd, during a meeting with Daeseong-dong villagers, Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon urged provincial officials in attendance, saying, "Do not delay; I want the construction to start as soon as tomorrow and be completed in the shortest possible time."

Governor Kim particularly emphasized ‘speed’ as a priority, stating, "I want it done in the fastest way possible." Following his on-site directive, support for Daeseong-dong residents is expected to be implemented promptly.

Governor Kim further instructed Deputy Governor for Administration No. 2, Oh Hu-seok, to "set up an emergency situation room at Paju City Hall and enable special judicial police officers to be deployed immediately on-site to resolve issues as they arise, just like today."

He also directed, "Discuss with the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education to find support measures such as installing soundproof window sashes at Daeseong Elementary School."

Regarding Governor Kim’s on-site meeting and subsequent directives, residents responded with comments such as ▲"It feels like a heavy burden is lifted," ▲"We are very grateful and feel relieved," and ▲"Just hearing this is comforting."

Kim Dong-gu, head of Daeseong-dong, expressed expectations, saying, "If soundproof window sashes are installed, noise levels can be significantly reduced to about 30dB, which is below everyday noise (currently around 80dB)."

Meanwhile, Governor Kim also criticized the government’s lukewarm attitude toward North Korean leaflets.

He said, "While maintaining strong security, we must prevent the sending of leaflets by engaging in dialogue and compromise with North Korea, but the government is instead escalating tensions in inter-Korean relations. We in Gyeonggi Province have continuously criticized this and will continue to present our opinions to the central government."

Regarding residents’ requests to prevent leaflets from being sent to North Korea, he responded, "I will use all means at my disposal to impose strong sanctions."

Gyeonggi Province spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated, "Governor Kim was visibly moved, with reddened eyes, as he listened to the residents’ accounts of their suffering during the meeting," and added, "The governor’s directives will be carried out promptly and with a sense of urgency."

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