hankyoreh

Civic groups and residents near the inter-Korean border protested the balloons containing anti-North propaganda launched across the border by defector groups. The civic groups gathered near the Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 22, demanding that the balloon launches stop for the sake of inter-Korean reconciliation and for the safety of residents who live near the border. They carried banners reading, “There is no development without peace,” and demanded that Koreans should take charge of inter-Korean relations instead of looking to foreign powers.

Despite the protests, a defector group launched balloons containing a half million leaflets the same night. One of the balloons was discovered in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, and authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the launch. (Lee Jong-keun, staff photographer)