It is high time that the government adopts a clear position on the controversial flying of anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets across the border by activist groups.

The Park Geun-hye administration has so far claimed that its hands are tied as blocking sending of anti-North Korean leaflets to North Korea would infringe on freedom of expression.

On Jan. 6, the Uijeongbu District Court provided legal grounds for intervention when it dismissed a case filed by an activist seeking 50 million won in compensation for psychological distress he allegedly suffered when policemen and soldiers obstructed his attempt to send leaflet-filled balloons into North Korea, noting that freedom of expression is not unlimited and all freedom and rights can be restricted based on the law if necessary to guarantee state security, maintain order and serve the public good.

On the same day, the National Assembly committee on foreign affairs and unification passed a bipartisan resolution urging the government to take necessary measures against the sending of anti-North Korean leaflets so that the activity does not damage efforts to improve inter-Korean relations or threaten the safety of residents in the area.

If the administration needed more prodding, it came from the ruling Saenuri Party which, on Jan. 7, called for appropriate action by the government. In a radio interview, a Saenuri legislator said that the government could suggest to the concerned groups that they stop or postpone the sending of leaflets or even require the groups to seek government permission to launch them.

The Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation also weighed in, a high-ranking committee member telling reporters that it would be best to refrain from activities that could jeopardize inter-Korean dialogue. The committee, which called for a South-North dialogue on Dec. 29, naturally would like to see a halt to the sending of leaflets at time when both Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed in principle to resume dialogue.

A Unification Ministry representative, during a regular press briefing on Jan. 7, also signaled a possible shift in the government’s position. Noting that there was no change to the government’s basic position that it cannot prevent the sending of anti-North Korean leaflets, an activity construed as an exercise of people’s freedom of expression, the spokesperson said that the police would take necessary safety measures to reduce the risks to people and property if such an activity was detected ahead of time.

North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency on the same day blamed Seoul for the sending of leaflet-carrying balloons on Jan. 5, accusing the South Korean government of condoning it. It also reasserted that the leaflet flying must stop for the inter-Korean relations to improve.

An opportunity for high-level inter-Korean talks was lost last year over the same issue and the safety of residents in the border area was also threatened when the South and North briefly exchanged gunfire after North Koreans attempted to shoot down the leaflet-filled balloons.

The groups sending the balloons must review their ultimate goal and exercise restraint, particularly at this critical juncture in inter-Korean relations. The current mood for inter-Korean dialogue is tenuous at best and as is always the case with Pyongyang, everything hangs in a fine balance. If the activists’ restraint can play a role in facilitating improved relations between Seoul and Pyongyang, they should be open to considering a halt to their leaflet distribution activities.

The government should send a clear message to the activist groups, seeking their cooperation in the matter. Once it has decided on a position, it should see to it that it is enforced. Pyongyang, for its part, should not view a halt to the leaflet flying as Seoul succumbing to its threats. It should be seen as a gesture of goodwill and a demonstration of South Korea’s resolve to improve relations with Pyongyang.