Six Americans Detained In South Korea For Trying To Send Bibles To North Korea

Six American citizens have been detained in South Korea after reportedly attempting to send more than 1,000 Bibles and other items into North Korea, a country where Christianity is strictly outlawed. The group was taken into custody on June 27 on Ganghwa Island, a restricted border zone located west of Seoul, near the maritime boundary with North Korea.

Authorities said the Americans had planned to float around 1,300 to 1,600 plastic bottles into North Korea via the sea. These bottles were filled with items such as rice, miniature Bibles, one-dollar bills, and USB flash drives. According to local media and police statements, the attempt was made without prior authorization and in violation of local safety regulations.

Under South Korean law, Ganghwa Island is designated as a high-risk area due to its proximity to North Korea. The government has enacted restrictions on activities that could provoke tensions with the North, including attempts to send materials across the border. Police are now investigating the Americans for breaching South Korea’s Disaster and Safety Management Act, which prohibits entering certain zones without permission.

While the identities of those detained have not been made public, officials confirmed that they are U.S. citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul stated it is aware of the situation and is providing appropriate consular support. No formal charges have yet been announced.

Efforts to smuggle religious materials into North Korea are often linked to Christian missionary work. Although the North Korean constitution claims to allow freedom of religion, in practice the regime considers Christianity a threat and punishes those involved in religious activities with imprisonment, torture, or execution.

Neither North Korean nor U.S. officials have commented publicly on the incident as of now.


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