Government warns citizens may be abducted

The South Korean government has issued a notice to media outlets warning that citizens in regions along the North Korean border could face kidnapping or other dangers.

This comes after the UN Security Council adopted the toughest-ever sanctions on North Korea earlier this month, condemning the isolationist regime for its fourth nuclear test and long-range missile provocations.

South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Cho June-hyuck said Tuesday, “After the UN Security Council resolution was adopted, we have seen a lot of movement around the borders between North Korea and China, and the Chinese government has also taken various measures.”

He added, “We have asked for cooperation from media outlets to pay attention to safety,” particularly when reporting in areas near the border.

Cho did not confirm whether there have been any such encounters but added that the warning notice was issued as “a preemptive measure to protect the safety of the people against acts of terror.”

The warning notice was also extended to missionaries who are active in the border between China and North Korea.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]