In response to South Korean assertions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister emphatically stated that the North has never removed its propaganda loudspeakers at the border, declaring a continued intent to maintain their presence despite the delicate inter-Korean relations.
North Korea Stands Firm on Propaganda Loudspeakers Amid Tensions with South
North Korea Stands Firm on Propaganda Loudspeakers Amid Tensions with South
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong refutes claims of dismantling border loudspeakers, insisting they remain operational and highlight ongoing military tensions.
North Korea has firmly denied allegations made by South Korea regarding the removal of its propaganda loudspeakers located along their shared border. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, refuted claims from Seoul, stating emphatically that the North has "never removed" the speakers and has no intention of doing so. She conveyed this message through the state media outlet KCNA, emphasizing that the North's rejection of improving relations with South Korea would soon become enshrined in their constitution.
Earlier in the week, South Korea’s military had announced that North Korea had dismantled some of its loudspeakers, coinciding with a similar move by South Korea. However, Kim, who holds a significant position within the regime, dismissed these assertions as "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring." The propaganda conflict between the two nations has been ongoing, with South Korea often broadcasting popular K-pop songs, while North Korea opts for disturbing sounds, including howling animals, as part of their messaging strategy.
Residents in South Korea living near the border have increasingly voiced their concerns regarding the disruptive sounds that fill the air, especially during late-night hours due to the continuous broadcasts from both sides. North Korea perceives these South Korean broadcasts as an act of war, previously threatening to physically destroy the loudspeakers.
The political climate surrounding inter-Korean relations has seen fluctuations, becoming more strained after the resurgence of South Korea's broadcasts in June 2024 under President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose administration adopted a more aggressive approach towards the North following its provocations, including sending trash-filled balloons across the border. However, the political landscape has slightly shifted under the leadership of new President Lee Jae Myung, who has indicated intentions to mend the ties with North Korea. Despite this, relations remain tense, with North Korea issuing warnings of potential "resolute counteraction" in light of recent military exercises conducted jointly by South Korea and the United States.
Earlier in the week, South Korea’s military had announced that North Korea had dismantled some of its loudspeakers, coinciding with a similar move by South Korea. However, Kim, who holds a significant position within the regime, dismissed these assertions as "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring." The propaganda conflict between the two nations has been ongoing, with South Korea often broadcasting popular K-pop songs, while North Korea opts for disturbing sounds, including howling animals, as part of their messaging strategy.
Residents in South Korea living near the border have increasingly voiced their concerns regarding the disruptive sounds that fill the air, especially during late-night hours due to the continuous broadcasts from both sides. North Korea perceives these South Korean broadcasts as an act of war, previously threatening to physically destroy the loudspeakers.
The political climate surrounding inter-Korean relations has seen fluctuations, becoming more strained after the resurgence of South Korea's broadcasts in June 2024 under President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose administration adopted a more aggressive approach towards the North following its provocations, including sending trash-filled balloons across the border. However, the political landscape has slightly shifted under the leadership of new President Lee Jae Myung, who has indicated intentions to mend the ties with North Korea. Despite this, relations remain tense, with North Korea issuing warnings of potential "resolute counteraction" in light of recent military exercises conducted jointly by South Korea and the United States.
