North Korean Threats Over Leaflet Balloons Reflect Wider Problems

A balloon launch this week by South Korean activists to drop 120,000 leaflets on North Korea promoting democracy sparked unusually harsh threats by the North Korean regime that probably reflect its economic problems and growing isolation. Pyongyang has engaged in similar rhetoric this year, including a threat to attack President Lee’s offices. The South Korean government wants to stop activities like leaflet balloon launches, believing they are unnecessary provocations of the North Korean government that could eventually lead to a military incident.

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