North Korea Resumes Sending Trash Balloons to South Korea

North Korea Resumes Sending Trash Balloons to South Korea

Keywords: North Korea, South Korea, trash balloons, cross-border pollution, diplomatic tensions

North Korea has resumed sending balloons carrying trash and propaganda across the border into South Korea, igniting concerns over cross-border pollution and escalating diplomatic tensions.

The first trash balloon was discovered in the South Korean city of Goyang on January 8, 2023. It contained newspapers, leaflets, and empty food packaging. Since then, several more balloons have been found, prompting the South Korean government to issue a public warning.

The balloons are believed to be launched from Hwanghae Province in North Korea. They are filled with helium and released into the air, where they travel across the heavily fortified border. In the past, North Korea has used trash balloons to distribute propaganda leaflets and other materials criticizing the South Korean government.

The resumption of trash balloon launches has raised concerns over cross-border pollution. The balloons often carry large amounts of waste, including food scraps, plastic bottles, and diapers. This debris can pollute the environment and create health risks for South Koreans.

The balloons have also sparked diplomatic tensions between the two Koreas. The South Korean government has condemned the launches as a “violation of international law.” North Korea has not publicly commented on the issue.

The trash balloon launches come at a time of heightened tensions between North and South Korea. North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests in recent months, while South Korea has responded with joint military exercises with the United States.

The resumption of trash balloon launches by North Korea is a worrying development. It underscores the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas and the potential for further escalation.