▲ This file photo, taken Aug. 27, 2026, shows Constitutional Court Chief Justice Kim Sang-hwan (C) and other justices during a court session in central Seoul. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- The Constitutional Court on Thursday ruled constitutional a legal provision requiring the unification minister's approval to bring in items from North Korea.

In an eight-to-one ruling, the court ruled against a complaint filed by Jin Chun-kyu, head of media company Tongil TV, in June 2022 that took issue with the legal provision.

Under the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, those who intend to take out or bring in goods to and from North Korea are required to obtain approval from the unification minister.

The court said the provision conformed to the Constitution, noting the need to consider the "sensitivity" and "gravity" of inter-Korean relations.

"Given the sensitive and special relations between South and North Korea and the complexity of international relations, there is a possibility that it could lead to harm," the court said.

"It is difficult to view regulations criminally punishing unauthorized acts of bringing in goods as being out of step with legislative discretion."

Jin had filed the complaint after a court convicted him of bringing in North Korean books, videos and other material through Incheon International Airport in August 2018, sentencing him to a fine of 3 million won (US$2,170). He has appealed the ruling.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]