North Korea to Resume Propaganda Broadcasts Across the Border Into South Korea
Broadcasts Set for October
Kim Yo Jong announced the plan Wednesday after visiting North Korean front-line areas with senior military official Pak Jong Chon. In a statement the following day, she said new countermeasures would be put on alert and loudspeakers placed on standby within days.
She told soldiers the broadcasts would target South Korea, formally known as the Republic of Korea, and operate along the border within October. Kim also warned that North Korean troops would retaliate if South Korean actions endangered their territory or personnel.
Border Fortifications Expand
North Korea has been building mines, barbed-wire fences, anti-tank barriers and other defenses along the border. Kim described the work as part of her brother’s policy of permanently cutting ties with South Korea, which he has called his most hostile adversary.
North Korea’s military has said its forces are strengthening the frontier as diplomatic relations with Washington remain stalled. Kim urged soldiers to make the border permanently secure against the South.
Mine Blast Dispute Continues
Three South Korean front-line soldiers were injured in border mine blasts on Sept. 21. After an inspection with the U.S.-led United Nations Command, Seoul blamed North Korean-planted mines and called on Pyongyang to apologize and remove remaining mines.
North Korea denied responsibility and threatened a strong response if provoked. South Korea says its troops have fired warning shots when North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line during fortification work; it reports 50 such crossings this year.
Seoul Weighs Its Response
South Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said Seoul would consider proportionate measures in response to North Korea’s moves, without specifying what they might be. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Jin Yong-Sung called the threats intolerable and ordered a firm response to potential provocations.
Kim rejected South Korea’s account of border crossings, describing the claims as a pretext. North Korea’s state news agency initially said her visit took place Tuesday, but Kim later said it occurred early Wednesday.
Key points
- North Korea plans to restart loudspeaker broadcasts along the border during October.
- Kim Yo Jong warned of retaliation if South Korean actions endanger North Korean troops or territory.
- Seoul attributes the Sept. 21 mine blasts to North Korea; Pyongyang denies responsibility.
- South Korea says it will consider proportionate measures in response to the planned broadcasts.