South Korea dismantles border loudspeakers to ease tensions with N Korea

South Korea dismantles border loudspeakers to ease tensions with N Korea

South Korean authorities have initiated the removal of loudspeakers that have been broadcasting anti-North Korea messages along the border, according to the Ministry of National Defence. This move comes as President Lee Jae-myung’s administration aims to reduce tensions with Pyongyang and rekindle diplomatic engagement.

Lee Kyung-ho, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defence Ministry, confirmed on Monday that the military has begun dismantling the loudspeakers. The decision follows the new government’s efforts to ease hostilities, which started shortly after President Lee took office in June. At that time, his administration halted propaganda broadcasts that criticized the North Korean regime, signaling a shift in policy toward dialogue.

However, North Korea has not responded positively to these overtures. The country has stated it has no interest in engaging in talks with South Korea. The two nations remain technically at war, as the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Relations between them have worsened in recent years, with both sides exchanging hostile rhetoric and actions.

The Defence Ministry described the removal of the loudspeakers as a “practical measure” intended to help ease tensions with the North, provided that it does not affect military preparedness. According to the statement, all such devices along the border will be removed by the end of the week, though the exact number of units to be taken down was not disclosed.

President Lee, who was recently elected following the impeachment of his predecessor over a failed martial law declaration, ordered the cessation of the broadcasts as part of his broader strategy to “restore trust.” His administration has pledged to improve relations with North Korea and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Tensions had reached a low point under the previous government, which adopted a firm stance against Pyongyang. In response to a series of incendiary balloons sent from North Korea, the previous administration had launched the loudspeaker broadcasts last year. However, President Lee has emphasized a more conciliatory approach, advocating for dialogue without preconditions.

Despite these efforts, North Korea has continued to reject any form of engagement. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, recently criticized South Korea’s attempts at diplomacy, stating that expecting a reversal of past actions through “sentimental words” would be a serious miscalculation. She used the acronym ROK, referring to the Republic of Korea, in her remarks.

President Lee has reiterated his commitment to pursuing dialogue with North Korea, aiming to restore communication after a period of intense hostility under his predecessor’s leadership.