Kim Yo-jong says North Korea is weighing border broadcasts and weapons

Kim Yo-jong said North Korea is considering restarting loudspeaker broadcasts near its border with South Korea.

She also said its military is weighing whether to deploy more tactical weapons there.

Tensions have grown as North Korea fortifies the border, which the two countries share across the Demilitarized Zone.

The dispute has intensified after a mine blast injured three South Korean soldiers last month.

South Korea blamed mines planted by the North, while Pyongyang has denied responsibility and called Seoul’s account fabricated.

Kim said South Korea had carried out 2,870 loudspeaker broadcasts and fired 201 warning shots between August 1 and October 17, though Seoul has not disclosed its figures.

Both Koreas had halted their border broadcasts last year, after South Korea suspended its broadcasts in a bid to rebuild trust, and North Korea followed suit.

North Korea is now reviewing whether to resume them, but it has not announced a decision or a timetable.