N. Korean Balloon with Propaganda Leaflets Lands in Seoul’s Presidential Compound

Seoul: A North Korean balloon carrying propaganda leaflets landed in Seoul's presidential compound, the South Korean presidential office reported, following a renewed campaign by North Korea to send balloons across the border. The incident occurred just hours after North Korea launched a new wave of balloons targeting South Korean territory, raising concerns over the potential impact on the Seoul metropolitan area and nearby regions. According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean military confirmed the launch of several balloons by North Korea early Thursday. These balloons, reportedly carrying various forms of trash, are part of an ongoing retaliatory campaign by the North against anti-Pyongyang leaflets disseminated by South Korean activists. The Presidential Security Service (PSS) released a statement noting that one such balloon exploded over the Yongsan government building area, scattering debris that was deemed harmless and subsequently collected. The PSS is actively monitoring the situation, coord inating with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure security. This recent incident follows a statement by Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who claimed that the North had discovered and removed what she described as "political motivational rubbish" sent from the South. The balloon campaign by North Korea, which began in late May, has involved thousands of balloons carrying various materials across the border, with the last launch occurring on Saturday.