Seoul:The unification ministry of South Korea has urged North Korea to desist from actions that could escalate border tensions after Pyongyang threatened to resume loudspeaker broadcasts targeting the South. The ministry issued this call to prevent potential clashes along the border.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, recently threatened the resumption of propaganda broadcasts against South Korea and warned of a "horrible and distressing situation." This comes amid ongoing border fortification efforts by North Korea, which have heightened tensions.
The South Korean ministry emphasized the need to stop actions that breach the Armistice Agreement and increase the risk of clashes along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). It recalled that both Koreas had previously operated loudspeakers targeting each other until June 2025, resulting in significant distress for border residents.
The ministry suggested that a fundamental solution to reducing tensions is for both Koreas to reconcile their positions on the MDL and establish a communication system for peaceful management. A ministry official noted that any decision on resuming anti-North Korean broadcasts by the South would be made through inter-agency consultations.
Previously, South Korea suspended its loudspeaker broadcasts in June 2025 under President Lee Jae Myung's administration to ease military tensions, and North Korea followed suit shortly thereafter. South Korea dismantled around 20 loudspeaker systems in August 2025 as a follow-up action.
Since April 2024, North Korea has intensified its border fortification, leading to repeated incursions across the MDL by North Korean troops. These incursions prompted South Korean forces to issue warnings and fire shots as defensive measures to prevent border violations.