North Korea announced preparations to resume propaganda broadcasts toward South Korea after Kim Yo Jong inspected border fortifications. She said loudspeakers would be on standby within days. Seoul called for discussions to prevent an accidental military clash, as the two sides continued to dispute responsibility for a mine explosion last month.
North Korea announced preparations to restore propaganda broadcasts directed at South Korea after Kim Yo Jong visited border fortification works with senior military officials. Kim is a senior official and the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The announcement concerns a return to loudspeakers along the frontier, an instrument both countries have used in earlier periods of tension.[1], [2]
Kim said on October 22 that the loudspeakers would be on standby within days. She also referred to new countermeasures without identifying them. South Korea’s defence ministry called for discussions to ease tensions and prevent an accidental military clash. Responsibility for a mine explosion last month remains disputed: Seoul accused Northern troops of deliberately planting mines, while Kim rejected the allegation.[1]
The Demilitarized Zone between the two countries was established after the 1950–1953 Korean War ended in an armistice. Since 2024, North Korea has added mines, fences and anti-tank barriers in pursuit of what it calls a permanent border. Pyongyang has abandoned dialogue and reunification with the South and severed a military hotline. Previous Southern loudspeaker broadcasts included news and K-pop music.[1]
