After recent tensions between North and South Korea, North Korea resumed flying balloons over the border, potentially dropping trash on South Korea in retaliation for previous leafletting campaigns. South Korea’s military suspended a tension-easing agreement with North Korea in response.
Despite warnings from North Korea to stop the balloon campaign, South Korean activists launched their own balloons with anti-North Korean leaflets, USB sticks, and even $1 bills. South Korean officials condemned the North Korean actions as “absurd” and vowed strong retaliation, including the potential restart of military drills and propaganda broadcasts.
North Korea’s sensitivity to foreign news and propaganda campaigns is well-known, with experts suggesting the balloon campaign is a tactic to divide South Korea over its approach to North Korea. While some in South Korea have called for activists to stop flying balloons to avoid clashes, government officials have not intervened due to free speech considerations.
The ongoing tensions highlight the delicate situation on the Korean peninsula, with potential for further provocations and military actions on both sides.
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