North Korea Sends New Wave of Trash-Filled Balloons Across Border

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (UPI) – North Korea has launched an impressive number of balloons across its border into South Korea for the second consecutive day, as confirmed by Seoul’s military.

According to Lt. Col. Lee Chang-hyun, spokesperson for Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, more than 420 balloons were confirmed to have been launched from North Korea from late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.

Lt. Col. Lee advised the public to remain cautious about falling debris, urging anyone who finds a fallen balloon to avoid contact. Following the launch, around 20 balloons containing paper and plastic bottles landed in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi Province, but fortunately, no hazardous materials were detected among the debris.

This marks the first instance of North Korea launching balloons in 25 days, contributing to the escalating psychological warfare reminiscent of Cold War tactics that have been observed in recent months along the border.

Since early June, North Korea has conducted 13 series of balloon launches, sending thousands of balloons filled with items such as scrap paper, shredded clothing, and even manure into South Korean territory. One of these launches resulted in trash being scattered near the residence of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

In retaliation, South Korea has initiated propaganda broadcasts using loudspeakers near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). These broadcasts began in mid-July and feature popular K-pop songs as well as news and information from South Korea. Reports indicate that the broadcasts also call for soldiers stationed in border areas to defect, and provide information regarding the defection of a North Korean diplomat from Cuba last year. The South Korean military claims that the broadcasts can be heard up to 15 miles away.

Last month, two North Koreans, including one soldier, successfully crossed the border into South Korea during separate incidents. This has led to speculation that the propaganda efforts may be having an effect.

The ongoing balloon launches coincide with high-level discussions between U.S. and South Korean officials regarding measures to deter North Korea, which took place on Wednesday in Washington. Both nations expressed concerns about rising tensions instigated by North Korea along the border.

In the joint statement released after the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group meeting, participants expressed their assessments of North Korea’s alarming and reckless behavior, which includes ongoing missile tests and persistent development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

North Korea is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The joint statement further highlighted worries about North Korea’s recent actions along the DMZ that heighten the risk of unintentional escalations on the Korean Peninsula.

Currently, the United States and South Korea are conducting a 13-day military amphibious landing exercise, which is set to conclude on Saturday. This follows the completion of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercise the previous week.

North Korea has consistently condemned these joint drills, labeling them as preparations for an invasion. The North insists that its nuclear and weapons programs are vital for self-defense.