Seoul Resumes Loudspeaker Broadcasts as Pyongyang Sends Trash Balloons

Seoul Resumes Loudspeaker Broadcasts as Pyongyang Sends Trash Balloons

Keywords: Seoul, Pyongyang, Loudspeaker Broadcasts, Trash Balloons

SEOUL, South Korea (Reuters) – South Korea on Monday resumed loudspeaker broadcasts across the border with North Korea, resuming a propaganda practice that had been suspended for more than a decade.

The broadcasts came in response to Pyongyang’s recent launch of propaganda balloons carrying anti-Seoul leaflets and trash across the border. North Korea has repeatedly condemned the loudspeaker broadcasts, calling them “an act of war.”

According to the South Korean Ministry of Defense, the broadcasts will include messages condemning North Korea’s recent provocations and urging defections. The broadcasts will be transmitted from 11 sites along the border, and will be heard within a 20-kilometer radius of the North Korean border.

North Korea has not yet responded to the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts. However, Pyongyang has previously threatened to take “resolute action” if the broadcasts were resumed.

The resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts is the latest escalation in tensions between the two Koreas. Relations between the two sides have been at a low point since the North’s nuclear and missile tests last year.

Analysts say the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts is a sign of frustration with North Korea’s continued provocations. They also say it could lead to further escalation of tensions between the two countries.