South Korea has resumed broadcasting propaganda into North Korea as a response to recent trash-carrying balloon launches by North Korea, reigniting animosity between the two countries. The South Korean military used loudspeakers to deliver anti-Pyongyang messages across the border on Thursday evening and Friday morning, with additional broadcasts on Friday when North Korea prepared for more balloon launches.
The contents of the broadcasts were not disclosed, but previous ones reportedly included K-pop songs, weather forecasts, news on Samsung, and criticism of North Korea’s missile programs. North Korea is highly sensitive to external attempts to undermine its political system, as evidenced by past artillery firings into South Korea in response to similar broadcasts.
South Korea placed blame on North Korea for escalating tensions by disregarding warnings and continuing its “despicable” balloon campaigns. The South Korean military plans to intensify loudspeaker broadcasts and take further measures if North Korea persists with provocations like balloon launches.
The recent North Korean balloon launches, the eighth since late May, resulted in approximately 200 balloons landing in South Korea carrying waste papers. North Korea’s previous balloon campaigns featured various debris but caused no significant damage in South Korea. North Korea stated that these actions were in response to political leaflets sent by South Korean activists via balloons.
In response to the recent tensions, South Korea suspended a 2018 agreement with North Korea, conducted propaganda broadcasts, and live-fire military drills at border areas. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister hinted at further provocative actions, alluding to potential retaliatory measures against South Korean activities near the border.
South Korea has increased its readiness for potential provocations from North Korea, fearing attacks against balloons sent over the border or floating mines downstream. While it remains unclear if South Korean groups have recently dispersed leaflets in North Korea, such actions have historically been viewed as a severe threat to North Korea’s regime.
The escalating tensions between North and South Korea stem from various factors, including North Korea’s missile tests, U.S-South Korean military drills, and North Korea’s growing relationship with Russia. North Korean state media confirmed a meeting between Kim Jong Un and a Russian delegation, emphasizing the need for unity in defending international peace and justice.
Kim Jong Un’s recent interactions with Russian officials signify strengthening ties between the two countries since the end of the Cold War, potentially posing challenges amid political uncertainties, such as the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
