Amid ongoing tensions between North and South Korea, North Korea's leadership has firmly denied accusations concerning the dismantling of propaganda loudspeakers along their shared border, asserting their steadfastness in maintaining these communication tools.
North Korea Asserts Propaganda Loudspeakers Remain Operational Amid Dispute with South
North Korea Asserts Propaganda Loudspeakers Remain Operational Amid Dispute with South
In a bold statement, North Korea insists that its propaganda loudspeakers at the border are still active, rejecting claims from South Korea about their removal.
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong has issued a declaration dismissing South Korea's allegations that it had removed some of its loudspeakers, emphasized that Pyongyang is not inclined to improve ties with the South, and characterized Seoul's claims as "unfounded."
In a statement released by state media KCNA, Kim Yo Jong, who is a prominent figure in North Korea's leadership, asserted that the nation has "never removed" any loudspeakers and has no intention to do so. This rebuttal comes in direct response to earlier reports from South Korea's military suggesting that North Korean loudspeakers had been taken down, coinciding with South Korea's own dismantling efforts.
Kim further stated that North Korea's refusal to seek better relations with South Korea would soon be enshrined in the nation’s constitution. Historically, these loudspeakers have served as a tool for broadcasting both propaganda and cultural content across the demilitarized zone, with South Korea frequently playing K-pop music, while North Korea countered with disturbing soundscapes.
Residents near the border have frequently voiced their grievances over the disruptive noise created by both sides. North Korea has consistently labeled South Korean broadcasts as acts of aggression, previously threatening to destroy these speakers. The tension has fluctuated, particularly under different administrations; for instance, President Yoon Suk Yeol resumed South Korea's broadcasts in June 2024 after a six-year hiatus prompted by rising tensions with the North.
Yet, with the installation of President Lee Jae Myung, who expressed a desire to improve inter-Korean relations, South Korea halted its broadcasts soon after his election in June. This halt was described as an initiative to "restore trust" and "achieve peace." However, as the region continues to experience military provocations, North Korea remains vigilant, warning of "resolute counteraction" to any perceived threats, particularly with upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the United States on the horizon.
In a statement released by state media KCNA, Kim Yo Jong, who is a prominent figure in North Korea's leadership, asserted that the nation has "never removed" any loudspeakers and has no intention to do so. This rebuttal comes in direct response to earlier reports from South Korea's military suggesting that North Korean loudspeakers had been taken down, coinciding with South Korea's own dismantling efforts.
Kim further stated that North Korea's refusal to seek better relations with South Korea would soon be enshrined in the nation’s constitution. Historically, these loudspeakers have served as a tool for broadcasting both propaganda and cultural content across the demilitarized zone, with South Korea frequently playing K-pop music, while North Korea countered with disturbing soundscapes.
Residents near the border have frequently voiced their grievances over the disruptive noise created by both sides. North Korea has consistently labeled South Korean broadcasts as acts of aggression, previously threatening to destroy these speakers. The tension has fluctuated, particularly under different administrations; for instance, President Yoon Suk Yeol resumed South Korea's broadcasts in June 2024 after a six-year hiatus prompted by rising tensions with the North.
Yet, with the installation of President Lee Jae Myung, who expressed a desire to improve inter-Korean relations, South Korea halted its broadcasts soon after his election in June. This halt was described as an initiative to "restore trust" and "achieve peace." However, as the region continues to experience military provocations, North Korea remains vigilant, warning of "resolute counteraction" to any perceived threats, particularly with upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the United States on the horizon.
