Claim: “29 large balloons discovered… Inevitable change in ‘response strategy'”,
Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, arrives at the space base in Vostochny, Russia, where the summit between North Korea and Russia is taking place. September 13, 2023. ⓒ AFP=News1 ⓒ News1 U-dongmyeong reporter,
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, ‘(Seoul=News1) Reporter Choi Somang = Kim Yo-jong, the vice department director of the North Korean Workers’ Party, on the 16th threatened the South, saying that if leaflets and large balloons are found again in border areas, “we must be prepared for a brutal and astonishing price.”‘,
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, ‘On this day, Kim issued a statement through the Korean Central News Agency, stating, “In the early hours of the 16th and in the morning, 29 large balloons containing South Korean garbage were found flying in the southern border and certain central areas.”‘,
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, ‘Kim stated that the discovered large balloons were counted with 10 in Cheorwon County, 8 in Sinpyeong County, 5 in Icheon County, 4 in Pangyo County, and 1 each in Goksan County and Pyeonggang County, and claimed, “Currently, specialized organizations are conducting search, disposal, and incineration.” Reports have also been received about leaflet distributors in various other regions.’,
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, ‘She further said, “The work of specialized organizations is progressing swiftly, and many areas are being sealed off, causing increasing inconvenience to the people in those areas,” and added, “It seems that a situation where we can no longer watch passively is approaching.”‘,
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, ‘She then issued a stern warning, saying, “I will warn once again,” and cautioned, “If the petty and dirty actions of South Korean garbage continue, a change in our response strategy will inevitably be proposed.”‘,
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, “On this day, while hinting at a change in the ‘response strategy,’ Kim did not mention what kind of approach it would be. North Korea has responded to the distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets by sending anti-South Korean leaflets. Since late May, they have sent over 2,000 balloons with trash over the south seven times.”,
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, ‘Kim had claimed through a statement on the 14th that anti-North Korean leaflets were discovered in Hwanghae Province and 17 adjacent locations near Jangpung County.’