On Saturday evening, North Korea launched 600 balloons filled with trash across the border into South Korea. The balloons contained items like cigarette butts, plastic, used batteries, and feces. This action continued into Sunday, with around 900 balloons launched in total, and more than 200 landing in South Korea’s northern provinces.
The South Korean army has assured the public that no dangerous substances were found in the debris collected. However, the Seoul municipality issued an alert to residents to avoid touching any unidentified objects suspected to be North Korean propaganda leaflets. The provoking act of sending trash-filled balloons has been condemned by Seoul, prompting discussions on potential countermeasures.
In a meeting with US Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik stated that the balloons violated the armistice agreement. The two allies have reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated response to any North Korean threats. The National Security Council standing committee in South Korea will convene to discuss the situation and consider resuming loudspeaker firing in North Korea. Pyongyang claims the balloons are in response to propaganda leaflets sent into its territory, which it sees as attacks on freedom of expression.
The ongoing tension between the two Koreas has created a volatile atmosphere in the region.
