South Korea's Constitutional Court recently overturned a law that criminalized sending items to North Korea, leading to increased civilian attempts to send aid, but specifics of current enforcement or legality remain ambiguous, especially for items like propaganda, cash, or religious materials.

Activists send aid to North Korea to support people in need or to spread religious or ideological messages, often driven by humanitarian, religious, or opposition motives, despite ongoing tensions and government crackdowns.

Detainees may face legal penalties depending on the nature of the items sent and current laws, especially if the aid is seen as undermining national security or violating remaining restrictions on inter-Korean exchanges.

Previous activist attempts, such as sending propaganda or unauthorized aid, have heightened tensions, prompted stricter border controls, and have been met with crackdowns by the South Korean government.

There are U.S. sanctions and strict regulations regarding activities with North Korea; however, NGOs are allowed under certain licenses to provide humanitarian aid, but strict rules apply, especially regarding direct government partnerships or services that could support sanctioned entities[5].

U.S. Department of the Treasury