Seoul: The defense ministry has initiated an investigation into allegations involving a military propaganda unit that allegedly sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets to North Korea during the term of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This move, aimed at provoking the North, has prompted officials to take action.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry recently interrogated both former and current leaders of the defense psychological operation group and conducted on-site investigations at front-line units associated with the group. A ministry official stated that the investigation was initiated under orders from the defense minister but refrained from providing further details.

This probe is part of the government's efforts to enforce disciplinary measures against individuals involved in Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3 of the previous year. A recent media report featured a former conscript who participated in the operation, suggesting that the military might have been attempting to provoke a North Korean attack through the leafleting campaign. He noted that the operation commenced in October 2023, prior to North Korea's initiative of sending thousands of trash balloons across the border into South Korea.

North Korea has consistently opposed anti-Pyongyang leaflet and loudspeaker campaigns, fearing that the influx of external information could threaten the stability of Kim Jong-un's regime.