South Korea Halts Loudspeaker Broadcasts to North Korea Amid Rising Tensions
On June 12, images of North Korea's loudspeakers aimed at South Korea were captured in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. President Lee Jae-myung announced via social media that he had ordered the military to cease loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea as of 2 PM on June 11. The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that there were no reports of North Korean broadcasts being heard in the South.
On June 14, the Democratic Party of Korea expressed concerns regarding a planned distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets by a group of families of abducted individuals at Imjingak in Paju. Spokesperson Kim Seong-hwa stated that such actions could violate current laws and urged police and local authorities to respond strictly to any illegal leaflet distribution.
In his remarks, Kim requested that the civic group reconsider their plans, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of residents in border areas over provocative actions. He expressed hope for genuine discussions on North Korean human rights and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim also noted that the cessation of North Korea's noise broadcasts following the South's halt of loudspeaker operations is a relief for residents suffering from the noise. He expressed hope that this mutual action would not be temporary but rather a step towards rebuilding trust and fostering peace and coexistence after three years of heightened tensions.
He recalled that when the previous administration resumed broadcasts in response to balloon launches from the North, it led to immediate retaliatory broadcasts from North Korea, causing significant distress to residents. Kim criticized the previous government's actions for exacerbating conflicts and endangering the health and daily lives of those living near the border.
He concluded by stating that the new administration should prioritize the safety and interests of the people, and the Democratic Party will strive to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula and the safety of border residents.
