Tensions are escalating between North and South Korea, as North Korea's Kim Yo Jong refutes claims from South Korea regarding the removal of propaganda loudspeakers at the border. The dispute follows recent actions by both nations to cease broadcasts that contribute to heightened tensions.
North Korea Denies Dismantling Border Propaganda Loudspeakers
North Korea Denies Dismantling Border Propaganda Loudspeakers
Tensions rise as North Korea rejects South Korea's claims regarding the removal of propaganda speakers at the border.
North Korea has firmly rejected allegations from South Korea that it has dismantled any of its propaganda loudspeakers situated along their shared border. In a statement released by state media KCNA, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, asserted that the North has "never removed" the loudspeakers and has no intention of doing so. She emphasized that their hostile stance toward improving relations with South Korea is steadfast, stating this position would be codified in their constitution in the future.
Earlier this week, South Korea's military reports expressed that North Korea had indeed removed some of its speakers, a claim made shortly after South Korea initiated the dismantling of certain loudspeakers on its side of the border. Kim, serving as the deputy director of North Korea's propaganda department, labeled these claims from Seoul as an "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring."
Broadcasts from both sides of the border have previously caused disturbance for residents living nearby. While South Korean broadcasts often consisted of popular K-pop music, North Korea's transmissions have included unsettling sounds, including howling animals. This loudspeaker war has been a long-standing element of the contentious relationship between the two Koreas. In the past, Pyongyang has characterized these broadcasts from Seoul as acts of war and has threatened to retaliate forcefully against such provocations.
After a six-year hiatus, South Korea resumed its propaganda broadcasts in June 2024 under the leadership of president Yoon Suk Yeol, who adopted a more hardline approach toward the North. This resumption occurred amidst heightened tensions, following North Korea's decision to send balloon launches filled with refuse to the South. However, under new President Lee Jae Myung, who has advocated for improved inter-Korean relations, South Korea halted its broadcasts shortly after he took office in June. This action was positioned as a step towards "restoring trust" and fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Despite these attempts at easing tensions, the relationship between North and South Korea remains fraught. North Korea has recently issued warnings of "resolute counteraction" to perceived provocations, especially in light of upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
Earlier this week, South Korea's military reports expressed that North Korea had indeed removed some of its speakers, a claim made shortly after South Korea initiated the dismantling of certain loudspeakers on its side of the border. Kim, serving as the deputy director of North Korea's propaganda department, labeled these claims from Seoul as an "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring."
Broadcasts from both sides of the border have previously caused disturbance for residents living nearby. While South Korean broadcasts often consisted of popular K-pop music, North Korea's transmissions have included unsettling sounds, including howling animals. This loudspeaker war has been a long-standing element of the contentious relationship between the two Koreas. In the past, Pyongyang has characterized these broadcasts from Seoul as acts of war and has threatened to retaliate forcefully against such provocations.
After a six-year hiatus, South Korea resumed its propaganda broadcasts in June 2024 under the leadership of president Yoon Suk Yeol, who adopted a more hardline approach toward the North. This resumption occurred amidst heightened tensions, following North Korea's decision to send balloon launches filled with refuse to the South. However, under new President Lee Jae Myung, who has advocated for improved inter-Korean relations, South Korea halted its broadcasts shortly after he took office in June. This action was positioned as a step towards "restoring trust" and fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Despite these attempts at easing tensions, the relationship between North and South Korea remains fraught. North Korea has recently issued warnings of "resolute counteraction" to perceived provocations, especially in light of upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
