South Korea dismantles anti-North Korea loudspeakers from border

South Korea’s military began dismantling loudspeakers broadcasting propaganda messages toward North Korea along the inter-Korean border on August 4, the country’s defence ministry announced.

The move follows a directive issued by President Lee Jae Myung on June 11 to suspend the broadcasts in front-line areas, as part of efforts to defuse tensions with Pyongyang, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"It is a practical measure that can help ease inter-Korean tensions without affecting the military's readiness posture," the ministry said in a notice to reporters.

South Korea had resumed the use of loudspeakers in June 2024 for the first time in six years, responding to repeated incidents in which North Korea sent balloons carrying trash across the heavily fortified border.

The propaganda broadcasts had been used sporadically since North Korea’s fourth nuclear test in 2016.

By Sabina Mammadli