North Korea has recently intensified its efforts to disrupt life in Ganghwa County, Incheon, by broadcasting bizarre, machine-like noises that have been causing significant distress among residents living nearby.
On Thursday, Ahn Hyo Cheol, the village chief of Dangsan-ri in Songhae-myeon, Ganghwa County, told News1 in a phone interview, “It’s unbearable, both day and night. We’re suffering from loud, mysterious ‘screeching’ noises broadcast from North Korea.”
Ahn expressed frustration, stating, “The North Korean military continuously broadcasts these unbearable sounds at all hours, whether it’s early morning or midday. Right now, as we are busy with farming, many residents are unable to sleep due to this bizarre noise from North Korea.”
This noise pollution from North Korea appears to be concentrated in the Songhae-myeon area of Ganghwa County.
In contrast, residents from other border areas, such as Gyodong-myeon and Yangsa-myeon in Ganghwa County, reported that they have not experienced the strange broadcasts from North Korea and are largely unaware of them.
Residents of Songhae-myeon noted that this new type of North Korean broadcast began immediately after our military started its broadcasts aimed at the North.
In response to North Korea’s continuous balloon launches filled with waste, the South Korean military began broadcasting anti-North Korea messages through loudspeakers on July 21.
Cheon Sang Sik, the head of the village chiefs in Songhae-myeon, said, “Right after our military started the broadcasts, North Korea began making machine-like noises, or sounds like metal grinding. I think it’s a response to prevent their military and citizens from hearing our broadcasts.”
Regarding the noise at the start of South Korea’s anti-North broadcasts, the South Korean military assumed that North Korea was sending canceling noise to prevent their soldiers and citizens from hearing the broadcasts. However, as the noise became louder and changed in type, some suggest it should be considered a noise attack rather than just canceling noise.
Reports indicate that the broadcasts’ noise level measured around 80 dB (decibels) in Ganghwa County. Typically, 80 decibels is comparable to subway noise, and prolonged exposure can lead to hearing impairment.
Residents in the Songhae-myeon area have expressed significant frustration after nearly two months of this noise attack. Cheon Sang Sik, the head of the Songhae-myeon village chiefs, gathered the residents’ opinions and requested that Ganghwa County respond.
Ganghwa County stated, “We have been in contact with residents, including Cheon Sang Sik, and have recorded their complaints,” but added, “As the administrative authority, Ganghwa County cannot devise a response plan for North Korea’s noise attacks.” They also mentioned, “Relevant agencies, including the National Intelligence Service, are fully aware of the damage situation in Songhae-myeon.”
The South Korean military has also been reported to be aware of the situation in Ganghwa County.
The spokesperson of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that they are currently analyzing the intentions behind North Korea’s noise attacks.