Balloons carrying rubbish from North Korea have landed on the compound of South Korea’s presidential office in Seoul, AFP and Yonhap news agency reported. While the balloons caused no damage, they prompted Seoul to mobilize chemical response teams, though there was no danger or contamination found. This incident marks the first time the presidential compound has been directly hit by one of the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May.
South Korea’s military reported that North Korea had sent up more balloons likely carrying rubbish, marking the 10th such launch since late May. North Korea has been responding to South Korean activists scattering political leaflets across the border via their own balloons. In retaliation, South Korea has increased its anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts, including loudspeaker broadcasts along the land border.
The tit-for-tat campaigns between the Koreas have escalated tensions on the Korean peninsula, with both sides threatening stronger actions. North Korea has previously destroyed a South Korean liaison office and fired at incoming balloons over leafleting activities. While the North’s balloons have not caused major damage, concerns remain about the possibility of hazardous materials being dropped.
South Korea has responded by ramping up its anti-Pyongyang propaganda efforts, including loudspeaker broadcasts and increased surveillance along the border. Observers believe that South Korean broadcasts can demoralize North Korean troops and residents. The tensions between the two countries continue to escalate as both sides engage in provocative actions to assert their dominance.
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