Anna Hartz
No More K-Pop at the Border: South Korea Turns Off the Noise
The border between North and South Korea has always been a tense and heavily guarded space.
Over the years, both sides have used more than just weapons to send messages.
One example: loudspeakers blasting propaganda across the demilitarized zone. Now, South Korea is taking them down again, hoping to cool things off, reports Ukrinform.
A Tactic Move
On Monday, the South Korean military began removing the loudspeakers placed along the border with North Korea.
This follows a decision made by President Lee Jae-myung’s administration in June.
His government ordered a stop to the broadcasts as part of a broader effort to reduce tension and create space for possible talks.
A spokesperson for South Korea’s Ministry of Defense said the move was meant to lower the risk of confrontation. They also said it would not affect military readiness.
On and Off
The loudspeakers have been used on and off over the years. They were first turned on in 2016, after North Korea carried out its fourth nuclear test.
At the time, South Korea responded by blasting news, K-pop music, and messages critical of the North Korean regime.
The speakers were shut off again in 2018 during a period of improving relations. But in 2023, the administration of then-President Yoon Suk-yeol turned them back on.
That came after North Korea sent waves of trash-filled balloons across the border. The situation at that time had grown increasingly hostile, and South Korea responded with tougher measures.
Now, under President Lee, the approach is changing again. His administration wants to lower tensions and has invited North Korea to return to talks.
So far, the North has refused. But the hope is that small steps like this one—removing the loudspeakers—can help create a better climate for future dialogue.
Newly Lifted Ban
South Korea is also taking other steps. Recently, the government lifted a long-standing ban that had prevented citizens from contacting people in North Korea.
That move is part of a wider strategy to open the door to peaceful communication, even if progress is slow.
