Seoul: North Korea increased the number of loudspeakers against South Korea installed along border areas between May and June, but none of them are currently in operation, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Friday. The move came as North Korea remains unresponsive to South Korea's completion of dismantling its anti-Pyongyang loudspeakers along the heavily fortified border this week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean military reported that the North increased the number of loudspeakers facing the South in front-line areas during May and June. Although these loudspeakers have been installed, North Korea is not currently engaging in noise-blaring broadcasts against the South, and none of the speakers are in service. A JCS official noted that the move was intended to enhance their output.
North Korea appears to have added more loudspeakers even after South Korea suspended loudspeaker broadcasts critical of the North on June 11. This suspension was part of President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to mend strained ties with the North. The South Korean military began dismantling some 20 fixed loudspeakers along the border on Monday and completed the process a day later.
When asked if North Korea has shown any signs of removing its own loudspeakers, a military official stated that the North has only engaged in "routine acts," such as conducting maintenance work.