Seoul: South Korea's military announced on Monday that the decision to suspend anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts along the border would be contingent on North Korea's actions. This statement comes amid expectations that the new government will pursue efforts to improve relations and reopen dialogue with the North.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts near the heavily fortified border a year ago. This move was in response to North Korea's repeated launching of balloons carrying trash across the border. The North has also engaged in loudspeaker broadcasts targeting the South, causing disruptions for residents living near the border.
Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), addressed the issue during a regular press briefing. He indicated that the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts, which began in June last year, is being managed flexibly in line with the strategic and operational context. President Lee Jae-myung, who assumed office last week, has committed to halting anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns and loudspeaker operations as part of efforts to mend inter-Korean ties.
Col. Lee emphasized that any decision to suspend the broadcasts would rely on North Korea's conduct, leaving room for potential changes. He noted that a comprehensive, government-level review is essential, taking into account the prevailing security situation.
The JCS official also highlighted that North Korea continues its loudspeaker broadcasts toward the South, occurring both day and night in border areas and the Yellow Sea. Earlier, the unification ministry, responsible for inter-Korean relations, expressed regret over anti-Pyongyang leafleting by a group of abductee families. This marked a shift in stance following President Lee's inauguration and was the first time the ministry has called for a halt to leaflet campaigns since the Constitutional Court ruled the law banning them unconstitutional in September 2023, citing freedom of expression.