North Korean propaganda lapel pins found near South Korean airport

INCHEON, South Korea, July 28 (UPI) -- South Korean police launched an investigation after hundreds of lapel pins with an image of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il were found at a hotel.

The coin-sized pins, which are required to be worn by all adult North Koreans, were discovered in a flower bed at the Grand Hyatt Incheon, located near Incheon International Airport. Possession of such lapel pins, and other North Korean propaganda materials, is illegal in South Korea.

Earlier this week, Pyongyang was accused of floating propaganda leaflets down the Han River to South Korea with a threat of a missile attack. South Korean officials said it was the first time propaganda was sent by river.

The propaganda war comes ahead of the annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, set to begin in August. The North continues to say the region is "on the verge of war."