North Korea begins removing propaganda loudspeakers at border, says South Korea
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff declined to reveal the exact locations where the removals were observed and said it was not immediately clear whether Pyongyang would dismantle all of its devices.
The loudspeaker broadcasts had been a source of irritation for border residents in recent months, with North Korean systems blaring howling animals, pounding gongs, and other noises in response to South Korean propaganda and K-pop music.
The North's broadcasts reportedly stopped in June after Lee halted Seoul's own messaging campaign.
The previous conservative administration in Seoul resumed daily broadcasts in June last year after a long pause, retaliating against North Korea for sending balloons filled with trash across the border. The broadcasts featured news critical of Pyongyang's leadership and South Korean pop songs.
Lee, who replaced ousted conservative Yoon Suk Yeol in an early election, has signalled his intent to mend relations with Pyongyang. However, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, dismissed these overtures in July, accusing Lee's government of 'blind trust' in the US alliance, reported AP.
She also rejected renewed diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump on denuclearisation.
Analysts warn that tensions could flare again later this month when South Korea and the US hold their annual large-scale combined military drills, starting August 18. According to AP, North Korea often responds to these exercises with weapons tests and military displays.
(With inputs from AP)
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