South Korea has announced plans to take retaliatory steps against North Korea following a series of provocations. North Korea recently launched balloons carrying trash across the border into South Korea, simulated nuclear strikes, and allegedly jammed GPS signals in the South. South Korea's national security director described these actions as 'absurd' and 'irrational acts of provocation.'
South Korean officials have condemned North Korea's balloon campaign, which included dumping cigarette butts, cloth, waste paper, and vinyl. While no dangerous substances were found, South Korea views these actions as attempts to create public anxiety and chaos.
Although specific retaliatory measures were not disclosed, it is speculated that South Korea may resume loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea. These broadcasts typically include criticism of North Korea's human rights record, world news, and K-pop songs, which North Korea is sensitive to due to its restricted access to foreign media.
This recent balloon activity is not the first of its kind, with North Korea previously exploding a South Korean liaison office in response to similar actions. Experts believe that North Korea's current provocations are aimed at creating internal divisions in South Korea and escalating tensions ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
North Korea has been increasing its weapons tests since 2022, with a focus on expanding its nuclear arsenal. In a recent drill, North Korea fired nuclear-capable weapons into the sea, simulating a preemptive attack on South Korea.
The situation between North and South Korea remains tense, with South Korea preparing to respond to North Korea's provocations in the coming days.
