Overview
- The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korean troops have been removing propaganda loudspeakers in parts of the front line since Saturday morning.
- South Korea completed dismantling about 20 fixed loudspeakers by Tuesday afternoon after suspending broadcasts critical of the North on June 11 under President Lee Jae Myung’s tensions-reduction policy.
- Pyongyang’s border speakers, which earlier blasted howling animals and pounding gongs in response to Seoul’s K-pop and news broadcasts, have remained silent since June despite their numbers increasing in May and June.
- South Korea’s defense ministry calls the removals a practical measure to ease tension without affecting military readiness, and its forces are continuing to monitor related activities.
- This mutual dismantlement represents one of the first reciprocal security gestures since President Lee took office and could pave the way for renewed inter-Korean dialogue.