South Korea responds to North Korean balloon campaign

South Korea’s military started loudspeaker broadcasts near the North Korean border, reacting to North Korea’s recent launch of trash-filled balloons into the South.

‘We urge the North to immediately stop’

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed the broadcasts but withheld specific details for security reasons. The “Voice of Freedom,” a radio program by the South Korean’s Defense Ministry’s Psychological Warfare Unit, was transmitted after the Presidential National Security Council’s decision. The broadcasts lasted for two hours.

“Further broadcasts will depend on North Korea’s actions,” the JCS stated. “We urge the North to immediately stop launching waste balloons.”

Background on balloon launches

Since May 28, North Korea has launched balloons towards the South as a “tit-for-tat” response to anti-Pyongyang leafleting by South Korean activists. Around 330 balloons were launched over the weekend, with 80 reaching the South. Nearly 1,000 balloons were sent in late May and early June.

After an emergency security meeting led by South Korean National Security Director Chang Ho-Jin, South Korea decided to resume loudspeaker broadcasts, a move likely to provoke North Korea. Chang stressed that North Korea would be responsible for any future escalation.