South Korea has begun removing loudspeakers along its border with North Korea as part of a conciliatory gesture aimed at reducing tensions between the two nations. The move comes after months of heightened rhetoric and a yearslong pause in the daily broadcasts, which were previously used to blast anti-North Korean propaganda.
The decision was made by South Korea’s new liberal government, led by President Lee Jae Myung, who has vowed to improve relations with Pyongyang. However, North Korea’s reaction to the move has been mixed, with Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the leader, stating that Seoul’s “blind trust” in its alliance with the US makes it no different from its conservative predecessor.
The loudspeakers were a key component of psychological warfare campaigns between the two countries, which have further strained relations. South Korea had resumed the broadcasts in June last year, but halted them again in June to show conciliatory intentions towards North Korea.
The physical removal of the speakers is seen as a practical measure aimed at easing tensions and reducing the risk of miscalculation. However, it does not affect South Korea’s military readiness. The fate of the removed loudspeakers remains unclear, with no discussions between the two militaries ahead of the decision.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-loudspeaker-border-removal-north-korea-tensions-0ee53f235ea436916f29a96b6af2bb51