South Korea has halted its border loudspeaker broadcasts directed against North Korea, in a step to lower tensions and restore inter-Korean confidence, the nation’s Defense Ministry said.
The K-pop broadcasts carrying anti-regime commentary and music had been resumed a year ago in response to the outlandish psychological warfare campaign conducted by North Korea, which included the release of thousands of trash-filled balloons into the demilitarized zone. Pyongyang between May and November sent nearly 7,000 of such balloons carrying wastepaper, cigarette butts, dung, and even pieces of cloth. One balloon is said to have landed on the compound of the president in Seoul, but did not inflict any injuries or damage.
North Korea has not reacted yet to Seoul’s latest initiative. The Defense Ministry added the suspension demonstrates a dedication to “restoring trust” and fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The decision comes just a few weeks after Lee Jae-myung, the new liberal president of South Korea, was inaugurated. Replacing ousted conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, Lee campaigned on a pledge to suspend the broadcasts, citing their disruptive effect on border towns. The residents had complained not only about the South’s loudspeakers but also about North Korea’s counter-broadcasts featuring annoying sounds such as howling beasts and clashing gongs.
Lee offered to renew talks with Pyongyang and restore communication lines. His government also called on civilian organizations to suspend sending anti-North Korean leaflets via balloons, stating that it could risk public safety and regional stability.
Even as Seoul took a softer approach, hopes for the resumption of talks remained dim. North Korea has rejected diplomatic efforts from South Korea and the United States since 2019 after denuclearization negotiations fell apart. Pyongyang’s current priority seems to be strengthening its military ties with Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Lee’s strategy is a dramatic shift from Yoon’s tough policies, which North Korea criticized as aggressive and invoked to abandon attempts at peaceful reunification.
