Balloons carrying rubbish sent by North Korea landed in the compound of South Korea’s presidential office, prompting Seoul to mobilize chemical response teams. This is the first time such balloons have directly hit the highly protected compound. The trash-filled balloons have been launched by North Korea as a response to South Korean activists distributing political leaflets across the border.
South Korea’s military reported that more balloons were likely on their way from North Korea, carrying waste materials. This ongoing tit-for-tat campaign between the two Koreas has escalated tensions on the peninsula, with both sides threatening stronger actions. North Korea views South Korean leafleting activities as a threat to its control over information and authoritarian rule.
The balloons have not caused major damage but have raised fears of potential hazardous materials being dropped by North Korea. South Korea has responded by increasing anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border. Observers believe these broadcasts can have a demoralizing effect on North Korean troops and residents.
In response to North Korea’s balloon launches, South Korea has resumed its propaganda broadcasts and stepped up security measures. This latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the two countries and the potential risks posed by these provocative actions.
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