Short breakdown of the practical implications of the amended Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act for HR activists, NK people, ROK and third parties. Trying to keep this as objective as possible but it’s been a week of bitter disappointment

1. It bans the use of loudspeakers, distribution of leaflets, usbs and other items with outside information into NK via the ROK-DPRK border (art24) and via the PRC-DPRK border (art 4/sect6) Such distribution can only happen via official authorisation by the ROK government

2. For the NK people this means considerably restricted access to outside information which is essential in a society with no effective freedom of expression or objective source of non-state sanctioned media

3. For NGOs involved in projects aimed at sending outside info into NK this means potential cessation/penalisation of activities. Inability to secure funding due to high risk assessment of activities, forced concealment of activities

4. For big governmental/private sponsors of activities aimed at bringing outside info to NK citizens the amendment is a big impediment to operations. For example US State Deptm has designated these actions as its priority re NK human rights for the past several years