Seoul’s recent decision to dismantle propaganda loudspeakers marks a notable policy change under President Lee’s leadership.
Authorities in South Korea have embarked on the removal of loudspeakers that have been broadcasting anti-North Korean messages near the border, as reported by the Ministry of National Defence. This action reflects the new administration led by President Lee Jae-myung’s intent to de-escalate tensions with Pyongyang.
“As of today, the military has begun taking down the loudspeakers,” stated Lee Kyung-ho, a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, during a press briefing on Monday.
Since assuming office in June, President Lee’s administration has halted the propaganda broadcasts that criticized the North Korean leadership, aiming to rejuvenate stalled communication with its northern neighbor.
However, North Korea has recently dismissed these diplomatic initiatives, expressing a lack of interest in engaging with South Korea.
The two nations technically remain in a state of war, as the 1950-1953 Korean War concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Relations have significantly worsened in recent years.
“This step is a practical response intended to mitigate tensions with the North, ensuring that military readiness is not compromised,” the ministry stated.
All border loudspeakers are expected to be dismantled by the end of the week, although officials did not reveal the quantity involved.
President Lee, who took office after his predecessor was impeached due to a failed martial law attempt, has directed the military to cease these broadcasts to “restore trust” between the two Koreas.
Relations had deteriorated to one of their lowest points in years, with the previous administration adopting a hardline stance against North Korea, which has increasingly aligned itself with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The prior government initiated these broadcasts in response to anti-South Korea propaganda from the North, including balloon launches filled with trash.
Lee has committed to mending ties with North Korea and reducing tensions in the region.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, North Korea has continued to reject proposals for dialogue.
“If the ROK believes it can amend past actions with mere words, that would constitute a serious miscalculation,” remarked Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, last week, referring to South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.
President Lee has expressed his willingness to engage in unconditional discussions with North Korea, stepping away from the restrictive policies of his predecessor.