military shut down loudspeaker blasting propaganda against along the border on Wednesday, marking newly elected President Lee Jae-myung’s first major step to reduce cross-border tensions.
On Thursday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, in return, the North appears to have stopped its loudspeakers near the border targeting the South. Although, it remains unclear if Pyongyang has officially ended its campaign.
had made the discontinuation of the loudspeakers a campaign promise, so as “to restore trust in inter-Korean relations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Kang Yu-jung, Lee’s spokesperson, described the decision as a “proactive step” to reduce military tensions in the region.
Engaging in psychological warfare
The broadcasts, which included propaganda messages and K-pop music, had resumed in June 2024 after North Korea launched thousands of toward the South in a .
In retaliation, Pyongyang began its own blaring broadcasts featuring howling animals, pounding gongs and other irritating sounds.
Residents near the border had long complained about the .
Seoul looks to reopen communication
The broadcasts were part of a Cold War-style standoff that escalated alongside North Korea’s nuclear weapons development and
In his inaugural address last week, Lee vowed to reopen communication channels with North Korea. However, the road forward remains uncertain as Pyongyang continues to reject diplomatic overtures.
In recent years, nuclear-armed North Korea has grown closer to Moscow, reportedly and large quantities of military equipment to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
There are growing concerns that North Korean leader could result in technology transfers that would bolster North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.
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