South Korea has stopped loudspeaker broadcasts to North Korea, aiming to ease tensions and restart dialogue.
SEOUL, South Korea (WE) — South Korea has silenced its loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea. The decision reflects the first clear policy change under new President Lee Jae-myung, who took office last week. His administration hopes this move will ease tensions and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The Defense Ministry announced the decision on Wednesday. In a statement, the ministry said it halted the broadcasts “to restore trust in inter-Korean relations and promote peace.” The loudspeakers had broadcast anti-North Korean messages and K-pop songs from border areas.
North Korea hasn’t yet responded to Seoul’s action. However, experts say Pyongyang might not view the step as enough to revive talks.
The loudspeakers returned in June last year after a long break. South Korea reactivated them to respond to North Korea’s balloon campaign. Between May and November, North Korea sent around 7,000 balloons across the border. These balloons carried trash, cigarette butts, manure, and other offensive materials.
One balloon dropped debris near the Blue House, South Korea’s presidential compound, in July. The Defense Ministry confirmed that no one was hurt and that the materials were not dangerous. Still, the incident raised security concerns and triggered a strong response from Seoul.
South Korea quickly resumed its broadcasts. It aimed messages at North Korean soldiers and citizens. These included political criticism of Kim Jong Un, calls to defect, and popular South Korean music. Pyongyang reacted with its own sound systems. It blasted animal howls, pounding gongs, and other harsh sounds. Residents in border towns on both sides expressed frustration.
President Lee had promised to stop the broadcasts during his campaign. He said they caused unnecessary tension and disrupted life in the region. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to reopen communication with the North and take a more peaceful approach.
“These broadcasts belong in the past,” Lee said during his address. “Lasting peace comes from dialogue, not volume.”
The previous president, Yoon Suk Yeol, had taken a harder stance. He built stronger military ties with the United States and Japan. His administration called for more joint military exercises and a stronger U.S. nuclear deterrent.
North Korea rejected Yoon’s approach. In January 2024, Kim Jong Un declared South Korea a permanent “principal enemy.” He also announced changes to the North’s constitution to reflect this stance. The declaration formally ended the decades-long goal of peaceful reunification.
Yoon’s presidency ended in April after lawmakers impeached him. His decision to declare martial law during December protests caused public outrage. Lee won the resulting snap election by pledging a more balanced and diplomatic policy.
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South Korea’s Unification Ministry echoed Lee’s message earlier this week. Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam urged activists to stop launching anti-North Korean leaflets. These leaflets often include USB drives with South Korean dramas and songs.
“These actions may increase tensions and put lives in danger near the border,” Koo warned during a press briefing.
In recent years, civilian activists have played a big role in cross-border messaging. Some groups sent balloons into the North with human rights content. Others included entertainment media. While some praise these actions, many residents near the border oppose them. They worry about retaliation from the North.
Activists also disagree on strategy. Some argue the broadcasts and leaflets spread vital information to North Koreans. Others believe they harm diplomatic efforts and risk military conflict.
The South’s new policy faces criticism from conservatives. Some lawmakers and retired military leaders say the move shows weakness. Former Defense Minister Suh Wook voiced concern during a panel discussion last week.
“Removing the loudspeakers sends the wrong message,” Suh said. “Kim Jong Un won’t return goodwill with goodwill.”
Despite these warnings, the Lee administration appears focused on diplomacy. But dialogue remains a challenge. North Korea has ignored outreach from both South Korea and the U.S. since 2019. That year, the Hanoi summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump ended in failure. Talks collapsed over disagreements about sanctions relief.
Since then, Pyongyang has turned toward Russia. The North reportedly sent troops and weapons to support Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. This deepening alliance worries Seoul and its allies.
Washington sees the Russia–North Korea partnership as a serious threat. U.S. officials have called for stronger sanctions and closer cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo.
Even with these tensions, President Lee remains committed to restarting dialogue. His administration says peace is possible but requires mutual trust. So far, North Korea hasn’t responded to any of Seoul’s signals.
Observers say Kim Jong Un feels no pressure to talk. His grip on power remains tight. He controls information and cracks down on dissent. His regime continues to test missiles and strengthen its arsenal.
At the same time, Lee’s government faces public pressure. Many South Koreans favor peace, but they also want safety. Balancing these goals will challenge the new president in the months ahead.
The removal of the loudspeakers may be symbolic, but it signals a new direction. It suggests that Seoul wants to shift from confrontation to conversation. Whether Pyongyang listens is another matter.
For now, the DMZ has grown a little quieter. But silence does not equal peace. True peace will depend on words exchanged across the border—not just the end of noise.
