South Korea Commences Removal of Loudspeakers Along Border with North
Seoul initiates dismantlement of propaganda devices to ease tensions with Pyongyang.
SEOUL: South Korea has initiated the removal of loudspeakers that were used to transmit K-pop and news broadcasts into North Korea, marking an effort by Seoul's new administration to de-escalate tensions with its neighboring nation.
The move comes after the demilitarized zone had already halted propaganda broadcasts in June following the election of President Lee Jae Myung, signaling a shift towards easing hostilities.
In response, North Korea ceased transmitting disconcerting sounds along the border that had caused disturbances for South Korean residents.
The South Korean defense ministry spokesperson, Lee Kyung-ho, announced on Monday that the military has begun dismantling these loudspeakers, aiming to contribute to reducing tensions with North Korea while maintaining the military's readiness.
By the end of the week, all such devices installed along the border are expected to be removed.
This development aligns with President Lee's policy to improve relations with North Korea and reduce the existing tensions on the peninsula.
The previous government reinstated the broadcasts last year in response to North Korea's deployment of trash-filled balloons, a move that President Lee aims to reverse through diplomatic efforts.
However, despite Seoul’s overtures for dialogue without preconditions, North Korea has shown reluctance, with Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticizing South Korea's approach as misguided.
The current situation reflects the ongoing complexities between the two Koreas, which remain technically at war due to the 1950-53 Korean War ending in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
The move comes after the demilitarized zone had already halted propaganda broadcasts in June following the election of President Lee Jae Myung, signaling a shift towards easing hostilities.
In response, North Korea ceased transmitting disconcerting sounds along the border that had caused disturbances for South Korean residents.
The South Korean defense ministry spokesperson, Lee Kyung-ho, announced on Monday that the military has begun dismantling these loudspeakers, aiming to contribute to reducing tensions with North Korea while maintaining the military's readiness.
By the end of the week, all such devices installed along the border are expected to be removed.
This development aligns with President Lee's policy to improve relations with North Korea and reduce the existing tensions on the peninsula.
The previous government reinstated the broadcasts last year in response to North Korea's deployment of trash-filled balloons, a move that President Lee aims to reverse through diplomatic efforts.
However, despite Seoul’s overtures for dialogue without preconditions, North Korea has shown reluctance, with Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticizing South Korea's approach as misguided.
The current situation reflects the ongoing complexities between the two Koreas, which remain technically at war due to the 1950-53 Korean War ending in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
