Military Detects New North Korean Loudspeakers
On Monday, South Korea’s military noticed North Korea setting up loudspeakers along their shared, heavily guarded border. This came just one day after South Korea started broadcasting anti-North Korean messages for the first time in years, as the two countries ramped up their psychological warfare tactics.
South Korea’s Response to North Korean Balloon Campaign
South Korea restarted its loudspeaker broadcasts on Sunday. This was a response to North Korea sending over 1,000 balloons filled with trash and manure into South Korea over the past few weeks. North Korea said the balloon campaign was a reaction to South Korean civilian groups flying anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets across the border.
North Korea has always been very sensitive to any outside criticism of its leader, Kim Jong Un. Responding to the South Korean broadcasts, North Korea has been quick to show its displeasure and readiness to retaliate.
The South Korean military did not immediately provide details on the number or locations of the North Korean loudspeakers. By Monday afternoon, these speakers remained silent.
On Sunday, South Korea’s loudspeakers broadcast news, criticisms of North Korea’s government, and South Korean pop music into North Korea. This move was meant to counter North Korea’s propaganda and bring attention to the regime’s issues.
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned that South Korea’s actions could lead to a “very dangerous situation.” She hinted at a new response from the North if the broadcasts continued and if South Korean activists did not stop sending anti-North Korean leaflets across the border.
Lee Sung Joon, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged Kim Yo Jong’s heightened verbal threats but did not specify what actions North Korea might take. He assured that South Korean soldiers are well-protected and ready to respond quickly if attacked.
Broadcast Locations and Future Plans
South Korea did not disclose the exact locations of the loudspeaker broadcasts or the specific content played on Sunday. They stated that any future broadcasts would depend on North Korea’s behavior.
South Korea had previously removed its loudspeakers in 2018 during a brief period of better relations with North Korea. However, with the recent provocations, South Korea decided to resume the broadcasts. They criticized North Korea for causing “anxiety and disruption” and emphasized that any further escalation would be North Korea’s responsibility.
North Korea’s Fear of Propaganda
North Korea’s balloon campaign was a reaction to South Korean activists sending balloons with anti-North Korean leaflets, as well as USB sticks containing popular South Korean songs and dramas. North Korea fears this material could undermine its control by demoralizing its troops and citizens.
In 2015, when South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts for the first time in 11 years, North Korea responded by firing artillery rounds across the border. South Korea fired back, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.
This recent exchange of psychological tactics marks another chapter in the ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring countries, as both sides continue to test each other’s limits.
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