North Korea resumes anti-Seoul propaganda balloon campaign

North Korea has launched approximately 20 balloons loaded with propaganda leaflets directed at South Korea, marking a resumption of its balloon campaign following a five-day break, according to South Korea's military on October 24.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the discovery of more than 10 bundles of leaflets in the greater Seoul area, Caliber.Az reports per South Korea media.

These materials, which contained harsh criticism of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, were even found within the presidential compound.

Despite concerns, the South’s military confirmed that no hazardous substances were detected following an analysis of the leaflets.

In a stern response, the South's military called on the North to immediately cease such provocative actions.

“North Korea should immediately stop sending leaflets of such coarse nature,” the JCS stated.

"We reiterate that the North bears full responsibility for these acts."

This latest launch follows a statement from Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who claimed that North Korea had discovered and removed "political motivational rubbish" sent by the South.

Notably, the North has been sending balloons filled with trash since late May in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets dispatched by South Korean activists.

The last known balloon launch took place on October 19, with this ongoing exchange escalating tensions between the two nations. In response, South Korea has been broadcasting anti-North Korean messages via loudspeakers along the border since July.

However, the South has refrained from intercepting the balloons, citing concerns over public safety.

These incidents highlight the ongoing psychological warfare between the two Koreas, a tactic that has historically inflamed relations on the peninsula.

By Aghakazim Guliyev