North Korea resumed flying balloons likely carrying trash toward South Korea on Thursday, according to the South's military. The balloons were flying north of Seoul, about an hour's drive from the border. The South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a warning to the public to be cautious of falling objects and report any balloons found on the ground.
Since late May, North Korea has been sending balloons containing wastepaper, cloth scraps, cigarette butts, and manure towards South Korea in response to political leaflets sent by South Korean activists. No hazardous materials have been found in the balloons.
In response, South Korea suspended a 2018 tension-reduction deal with North Korea and resumed propaganda broadcasts and live-fire military drills at border areas. North Korea's leader's sister, Kim Yo Jong, recently threatened retaliatory steps against South Korean civilian leafleting activities, warning of a potential 'gruesome and dear price' to be paid by South Korean individuals.
South Korea's military has increased readiness to prepare for any potential provocations by North Korea, including the possibility of firing at incoming South Korean balloons across the border.
