North Korea's Kim Yo Jong has dismissed South Korea's assertions that the North has removed its propaganda loudspeakers at the border, reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to its current approach against Seoul and highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
North Korea Stands Firm: Propaganda Loudspeakers Remain as Tensions Persist
North Korea Stands Firm: Propaganda Loudspeakers Remain as Tensions Persist
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong rejects claims of loudspeaker removal, emphasizing a continued hardline stance against South Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, firmly stated that North Korea "has never removed" its propaganda loudspeakers at the border, directly contradicting South Korea's recent claims. In a statement released through state media KCNA, she asserted the North's resolve to keep the speakers operational and intimated that its hostile relations with the South are constitutionally enshrined.
Reports from South Korea's military earlier suggested that some of the loudspeakers had been dismantled just days after the South took similar actions. The controversial loudspeakers are known for broadcasting both propaganda and a mix of K-pop favorites from South Korea, alongside distressing sounds like howling animals emanating from the North. Residents on either side of the border have expressed grievances, citing disturbances caused by the speakers, particularly during late hours.
Kim, who serves as a high-ranking official in North Korea's propaganda department, characterized Seoul's statement as an "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring." Historically, North Korea has viewed South Korean broadcasts as provocations, even threatening to destroy the loudspeakers in response.
Following a six-year hiatus, South Korea resumed its broadcasts in June 2024, coinciding with a more confrontational policy under impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. This decision followed North Korea's provocative act of sending balloons filled with trash across the border. Nevertheless, the situation appeared to ease following the election of President Lee Jae Myung, who pledged to mend inter-Korean relations.
Despite the halting of speaker broadcasts after President Lee took office in June, described as an attempt to "restore trust" and foster peace, the diplomatic atmosphere remains tense. Recently, North Korea also issued stern warnings to the South, asserting that any provocations, particularly in the lead-up to joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, would meet "resolute counteraction."
Reports from South Korea's military earlier suggested that some of the loudspeakers had been dismantled just days after the South took similar actions. The controversial loudspeakers are known for broadcasting both propaganda and a mix of K-pop favorites from South Korea, alongside distressing sounds like howling animals emanating from the North. Residents on either side of the border have expressed grievances, citing disturbances caused by the speakers, particularly during late hours.
Kim, who serves as a high-ranking official in North Korea's propaganda department, characterized Seoul's statement as an "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring." Historically, North Korea has viewed South Korean broadcasts as provocations, even threatening to destroy the loudspeakers in response.
Following a six-year hiatus, South Korea resumed its broadcasts in June 2024, coinciding with a more confrontational policy under impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. This decision followed North Korea's provocative act of sending balloons filled with trash across the border. Nevertheless, the situation appeared to ease following the election of President Lee Jae Myung, who pledged to mend inter-Korean relations.
Despite the halting of speaker broadcasts after President Lee took office in June, described as an attempt to "restore trust" and foster peace, the diplomatic atmosphere remains tense. Recently, North Korea also issued stern warnings to the South, asserting that any provocations, particularly in the lead-up to joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, would meet "resolute counteraction."
