Six Americans were detained on Friday in South Korea after they tried to send 1,600 plastic bottles filled with rice, U.S. dollar bills, and Bibles toward North Korea by sea, according to police.
They attempted to toss the bottles into the ocean from Gwanghwa Island, hoping the tides would carry them across the border. Authorities say they’re now under investigation for violating safety and disaster laws.
hese kinds of actions, like sending messages, supplies, or leaflets into North Korea, have long created tension between the two countries. In response, North Korea has sent trash balloons back into the South, with some even landing in high-security areas like the presidential compound in Seoul.
Last year, South Korea’s top court struck down a ban on sending such items, saying it went too far in restricting free speech. But the new South Korean government under President Lee Jae Myung is taking a tougher stance again, focusing on safety and avoiding conflict.
On June 14, another activist was also detained for sending balloons to the North. President Lee has promised to restart peace talks and reduce tensions. His government has already halted loudspeaker broadcasts near the border in hopes of easing military strain.