Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
North Korea has not resumed broadcasts from border loudspeakers
North Korea has not restarted broadcasts from loudspeakers aimed at South Korea, despite a pledge to activate them in October.
Kim Yo Jong, a senior North Korean official, first said the speakers would operate along the border, then said they would be placed on standby.
South Korea's military says it has detected no broadcasts, and the National Intelligence Service dismissed a report from residents who said they heard one.
The dispute is linked to North Korea's border fortification work and South Korean warnings and warning shots after North Korean troops crossed the Military Demarcation Line.
An analyst cited in the story says the loudspeaker threat may have been intended to pressure South Korea and protect the construction work from disruption.
Restarting the broadcasts could prompt South Korea to respond, raising tensions between the two countries.
The sources give no date for any future activation.
North Korea has not resumed broadcasts from loudspeakers aimed at South Korea, South Korea’s military said on Nov. 1.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, had said broadcasts would begin in October along the entire border.
She said the loudspeakers would instead be put on standby within days, a statement interpreted as a step back from immediate broadcasting.
South Korea’s military and intelligence agency said reports of broadcasts heard near the border were not confirmed.
An analyst said North Korea may be seeking to avoid raising tensions while work on border fortifications continues.
- Who
- North Korea and South Korea’s military. Kim Yo Jong made the announcement about the loudspeakers.
- What
- North Korea has not resumed broadcasts from loudspeakers aimed at South Korea, according to South Korea’s military.
- When
- As of Nov. 1, broadcasts had not been confirmed. Kim Yo Jong had forecast activity in October.
- Where
- Along the border between North Korea and South Korea.
- Why
- Not stated. An analyst said North Korea may want to avoid raising tensions and prevent delays to border fortification work.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kim Yo Jong said loudspeakers would begin operating along the entire border in October.
Kim Yo Jong said the loudspeakers would be put on standby within days.
Residents in the border area of Paju reported hearing broadcasts from the North, but South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said the reports were false.
South Korea’s military said it had not confirmed that North Korea had resumed loudspeaker broadcasts.
- Military assessment
- No North Korean loudspeaker broadcasts confirmed as of Nov. 1
- Kim Yo Jong’s forecast
- Loudspeakers to operate in October
- Revised statement
- Loudspeakers to be put on standby within days
- Reported sighting
- Paju, South Korea, Oct. 29
- Border project
- North Korea is carrying out border fortification work
1 source
What people are saying
현재 우리 군에서 북한의 대남 확성기 가동 상황이 확인된 바는 없다
10월 중으로 대한국 심리전 확성기들이 전 국경선에서 가동 상태에 들어갈 것
군의 경고방송이나 경고사격이 이른바 '국경 요새화' 작업에 방해가 되고 공사 병력이 두려움을 느끼자 이에 대응하려 확성기 방송을 한국을 압박하고 경고하기 위한 엄포용 카드로 꺼낸 것