Seoul announces plans to resume loudspeaker propaganda against North Korea

South Korea announced on Sunday that it would resume loudspeaker propaganda campaigns against North Korea, following a recent barrage of trash-filled balloons sent across the border by Pyongyang. The decision to install loudspeakers against North Korea was made by the president’s office, which stated that the responsibility for escalating tensions between the two Koreas lies entirely with the North.

In response to North Korea sending over 300 trash-filled balloons across the border, Seoul’s military confirmed the need for “corresponding measures.” Activists in South Korea have been floating balloons carrying K-pop, dollar bills, and anti-Kim Jong Un propaganda northwards, provoking a retaliatory response from Pyongyang.

The resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts by South Korea could have serious implications for inter-Korean relations, with experts warning of a potential armed conflict. Past propaganda tit-for-tats have led to real-world consequences, with Pyongyang threatening artillery strikes against the loudspeaker units in the past.

Tensions between the two Koreas are currently at a low point, with diplomatic efforts stalled and North Korea increasing its weapons testing. The South Korean parliament passed a law in 2020 criminalizing the act of sending leaflets to the North, but activists have continued their activities. Despite efforts to improve relations in the past, the situation remains tense, with the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts adding to the existing friction between the two countries.