The South Korean military stated on Monday that the continuation of loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea, which began last June, hinges on North Korea’s behavior.
Lee Sung Jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), explained during a regular press briefing that the organization is currently conducting loudspeaker broadcasts towards North Korea with flexibility, based on strategic and operational considerations. As Lee stated multiple times, the decision to halt these broadcasts depends on North Korea’s actions.
Lee further noted that, given the current security situation, a comprehensive review at the government level is necessary. He added that North Korea’s broadcasts towards the South remain unchanged, continuing day and night along the border and in the West Sea.
The South Korean military restarted loudspeaker broadcasts towards North Korea on June 9 last year in response to North Korea’s balloon launches carrying propaganda materials. This marks one year since the resumption of broadcasts. In retaliation, North Korea also initiated its loudspeaker broadcasts, prolonging noise disturbances for military personnel and civilians in border regions.
Some analysts speculate that the Lee Jae Myung administration may soon decide to halt loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea proactively. During his presidential campaign, Lee pledged on his Facebook page on May 2, “We will work towards mutual cessation of leaflet distribution, balloon launches, and cross-border broadcasts to maintain peace and safety in the border areas.”