Seoul: North Korea has resumed its balloon-based propaganda campaign, launching approximately 20 balloons carrying leaflets denouncing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, according to the South Korean military. This action marks the continuation of a tactic that had paused for five days.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported finding more than 10 bundles of trash containing the leaflets in the greater Seoul area following the launch. An analysis revealed no hazardous substances in the materials. The propaganda leaflets were also discovered within the presidential compound, prompting the South Korean military to call for an immediate cessation of the North’s actions.
In a formal statement, the JCS declared, “North Korea should immediately cease its action of sending leaflets of such coarse level. We once again warn that all responsibility lies with the North.”
The recent launch follows a statement by Kim Yo-jong, sister of North
Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who claimed on Tuesday that the North had discovered and removed “political motivational rubbish” sent from the South the previous day. North Korea has been engaging in these balloon launches since late May, in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets distributed by South Korean activists.
In response, South Korea’s military has been broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda through loudspeakers along the border since July. However, concerns over safety have prevented the South from attempting to shoot down the balloons.