Abductee Families’ Group to Launch Leaflet Campaign to Pyongyang

PAJU: A group representing families of individuals abducted by North Korea announced plans to send leaflets into North Korean territory this week, aiming to highlight the ongoing abductee issue. The leaflets, featuring names and photographs of individuals reportedly abducted, are scheduled to be launched from the western border city of Paju on Thursday. According to Yonhap News Agency, the head of the group, Choi Seong-ryong, revealed that the leaflets will include images and descriptions of well-known abductees, such as Megumi Yokota from Japan and five Korean individuals who were taken while they were high school students. Choi emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating the group intends to use every available method to ensure the leaflets reach downtown Pyongyang, viewing it as a critical opportunity to raise awareness on the matter. The group's efforts are not only directed at bringing attention to the abductee issue but also aim to encourage North Korea to engage in dialogue concerning famil ies separated by the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Additionally, they seek to prompt North Korea to cease its practice of sending balloons filled with trash into South Korean territory, a move that has heightened tensions between the two nations. In light of these developments, the regional government of Gyeonggi has declared Paju and two other areas near the inter-Korean border as "danger zones" due to potential security threats to local residents. This designation, in effect from October 16 to November 30, serves as a precautionary measure. Gyeonggi regional authorities, along with military and police forces, are anticipated to coordinate joint strategies to counter the leaflet campaign.