South Korea's military has detected signs that North Korea is installing its own loudspeakers along their heavily armed border, following the South's resumption of anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts after years of silence. The South's decision to restart loudspeaker broadcasts came in response to North Korea sending over 1,000 balloons filled with trash and manure across the border, a move described by Pyongyang as retaliation against South Korean civilian groups flying anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets.
The escalating tit-for-tat involving speakers and balloons has heightened tensions between the two Koreas, amid stalled talks over North Korea's nuclear ambitions. In recent nuclear planning talks in Seoul, U.S. and South Korean officials discussed strategies to counter growing North Korean threats, including strengthening combined military training with strategic U.S. assets.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the installation of suspected North Korean speakers along the border but noted that they remained silent as of Monday afternoon. The initial South Korean broadcast into North Korea reportedly included news, government criticism, and South Korean pop music.
Kim Jong Un's sister issued a warning in response to the broadcasts, stating that South Korea's actions could lead to a 'dangerous situation' and threatening a 'new response' from the North if the broadcasts continue. South Korean officials emphasized that they were prepared to swiftly respond to any provocation from the North.
The South withdrew loudspeakers from border areas in 2018 during a period of engagement with the North, but the recent escalation prompted the resumption of broadcasts. South Korea's presidential office condemned North Korea's attempts to cause disruption and anxiety, holding Pyongyang responsible for any further escalation of tensions.
North Korea's balloon campaign was reportedly triggered by South Korean activists sending materials deemed sensitive by Pyongyang, including anti-North Korean leaflets and USB sticks containing South Korean entertainment content. Analysts suggest that North Korea fears such material could undermine Kim Jong Un's authority.
In 2015, when South Korea previously restarted loudspeaker broadcasts, North Korea responded by firing artillery rounds across the border, leading to a brief exchange of fire between the two sides.
