SEOUL, South Korea — The South Korean military announced on Saturday that it spotted North Korean soldiers taking apart some of their propaganda loudspeakers along parts of the border with South Korea. These speakers are used to blast political messages across the dividing line between the two countries.
This move comes after South Korea began doing the same thing earlier in the week. It’s the first time Seoul has made this kind of statement since President Lee Jae Myung became president two months ago.
Still Watching Closely
South Korean officials say they need to double-check if North Korea is removing its speakers everywhere along the border or just in certain spots. The military promised to keep monitoring the situation.
Easing Tensions
President Lee’s government is liberal, and one of his first steps after taking office was to switch off South Korea’s own propaganda broadcasts—which used to play anti-North Korea messages. This was part of his effort to calm tensions and bring back peace talks with Pyongyang.
On Monday, South Korean workers started removing the large loudspeakers placed along the border that had been used to broadcast news, music, and criticisms of North Korea’s leadership.
Decades of Tension
South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war because the 1950-1953 Korean War ended only with a truce, not a peace treaty. In recent years, relations between the two have become worse.
These cross-border broadcasts have been used for decades, sometimes turned on during tense times and turned off when both sides try to make peace. The latest move to take them down could be a sign of hope—but both sides remain cautious.
