| After all, it wouldn't do to show up the Norks in their time of grief by demonstrating that the South has things like, oh, electricity... |
A government official said, "Since lighting up trees along the North Korean border areas including Aegibong Peak could provoke the North Korean leadership and military, we would rather not to proceed with the plan. The military delivered the decision to religious groups."
The Defense Ministry on Dec. 11 accepted requests from evangelicals to light up the steel Christmas trees to promote freedom of religion in the North. The Christmas trees were to be and lit up for 15 days from Dec. 23 to Jan. 6. North Korea threatened to dire consequences if that happened.