Seoul: The South Korean military has commenced the dismantling of loudspeakers used for propaganda broadcasts toward North Korea along the heavily fortified border. This initiative, announced by the defense ministry, signifies Seoul's latest effort to reduce tensions between the two Koreas.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the removal operation follows President Lee Jae Myung's earlier decision, made less than two months ago, to suspend loudspeaker broadcasts in front-line areas. This move was part of broader efforts to mend strained ties with North Korea. In response, Pyongyang also ceased its own loudspeaker operations targeting the South.
The defense ministry emphasized that the action is a practical step towards easing inter-Korean tensions without compromising military readiness. Col. Lee Kyung-ho, a ministry spokesperson, stated that the dismantling applies to approximately 20 fixed speakers along the border and is expected to be completed within the week. Notably, the decision was made unilaterally, without consultations with North Korea.
When questioned about North Korea's potential reciprocal actions, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported no signs of similar measures being taken by the North. JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun noted North Korea is conducting maintenance on its loudspeakers, but no dismantling activity has been observed.
Historically, North Korea has been opposed to South Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts and the distribution of leaflets by activists, viewing them as threats to its regime. Under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, South Korea briefly resumed loudspeaker broadcasts last year in response to North Korean provocations. This was a rare occurrence since the country's fourth nuclear test in 2016.
Since assuming office, President Lee has pursued measures to revive inter-Korean relations, which have been largely severed since late 2023 when North Korea declared the two Koreas as separate "hostile" nations. Besides halting loudspeaker broadcasts, President Lee has urged civic groups to stop sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets, hoping these gestures might pave the way for renewed engagement with the North.