APPEAL
ACTION
ABOUT
The risk of military conflict on the Korean Peninsula is intensifying. On the 11th, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK) issued an “ultimatum,” threatening to carry out a military strike if an unmanned aerial vehicle entered Pyongyang’s airspace, accusing it of dropping leaflets over the country. Tensions have escalated further, with the DPRK’s artillery units mobilized and the ROK boosting its firepower. Both sides are exchanging fierce rhetoric, including warnings of “horrific carnage” and calls to “eliminate Kim Jong Un.”
It is unacceptable for the ROK government to maintain a hardline military stance while issuing irresponsible ‘I can’t confirm’ statements regarding drone incursions, especially when the threat of imminent military conflict is a pressing concern. Drone incursions into foreign airspace violate international law and, on the Korean Peninsula, breach the armistice agreement. This is especially alarming given the recent use of drones for military purposes. The government must acknowledge and address this issue, but their inability to confirm these incidents and apparent disregard for them present a serious problem.
North Korean flyers have been followed by South Korean balloons filled with trash and loudspeaker broadcasts from North Korea in response, heightening anxiety and causing harm to South Korean residents. Although the ROK government has condemned the DPRK’s actions, including the release of trash balloons, it has not asked the groups responsible for the flyers to stop, citing “freedom of expression.” Despite the fact that these flyers clearly violate the Aviation Safety Act, the government has neither halted the activity nor punished the groups involved. In fact, it has indirectly or directly provided financial support to them. The administration of Yoon Suk-yeol, which has ignored public demands for a crackdown on flyers and complaints from local governments and civil society, is said to have turned a blind eye to the issue, with 73 instances of flyer distribution reported this year. Although these activities are carried out by civilian groups, they effectively serve as tools of regime propaganda.
The government’s continued attribution of blame to the DPRK, while encouraging actions that risk escalating conflict, has only deepened the crisis. Internal divisions within the government and ruling party, stemming from past failures, along with declining approval ratings for the president, are adding to the tension. Statements such as “we must have the capability to safely remove” the DPRK’s leadership, and policies like “northward march for freedom,” may only heighten public anxiety further.
Amid these circumstances, on October 14, the Ministry of Unification reiterated its policy of neither requesting restraint nor sanctioning leafleting into North Korea. This highly irresponsible stance, which escalates conflict at the cost of people’s lives, should be condemned.
We would like to reiterate our earlier message: it is imperative that the government and police take immediate action to stop the dissemination of leaflets into the DPRK by any means, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
There is a growing consensus among international stakeholders that the risk of military conflict on the Korean Peninsula escalating into nuclear war or even a global crisis is higher than ever. Preventing another war on the Korean Peninsula is critical. Immediate action must be taken to avert an impending conflict and stop the march toward war. All hostilities and military actions on the Peninsula must cease immediately, and efforts should be made to restore at least a minimal hotline for crisis management.
Furthermore, we appeal to the National Assembly to take all necessary steps to prevent a war crisis by halting the government’s increasingly aggressive policies. We urge the chief of the National Security Adviser(NSA), the Minister of Unification, and the Minister of Defence to be held accountable for their roles in escalating the crisis. This escalation has occurred due to their failure to address illegal acts and their continued pursuit of hardline policies that do not reflect the views of the people or the National Assembly.
The residents in the border area and civil society will continue to hold peace conferences and engage in various proactive peace actions at achieving peace and stopping the government’s role in exacerbating the war crisis, which negatively impacts the lives and safety of the community. We will continue to demand the dismissal and censure of those responsible for aiding illegal activities and threatening the lives and safety of the people, and the enactment of legislation to ban leaflets to the DPRK.
We truly believe that peace is within our reach, and it’s up to us to make it happen! We invite you to join us on our journey to prevent war and create a peaceful future for the Korean Peninsula.
October 15, 2024
Network of Border Residents, Civil Society, Religious Group for Peace and Solidarity
Korea Peace Action
Korean Peace Solidarity for Sovereignty and Reunification
