Seoul, September 4, 2024— South Korean authorities have reported another instance of suspected trash-carrying balloons being launched by North Korea in what appears to be a continuation of Cold War-era psychological tactics between the two nations.
On Wednesday, Seoul’s metropolitan government issued alerts to residents, warning that objects, likely North Korean balloons, were spotted in areas north of the capital. Citizens were advised to stay indoors and avoid any debris that might fall from the sky.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that weather patterns suggest the balloons could drift into Gyeonggi Province, located near Seoul. They urged the public to report any fallen balloons to the police or military and cautioned against touching them.
This latest incident is part of an ongoing campaign by North Korea, which has recently sent thousands of balloons carrying waste materials—such as paper, cloth scraps, and cigarette butts—across the border. These actions are reportedly in retaliation for South Korean activists who have been sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the North.
In July, one such balloon landed on the South Korean presidential compound, sparking concerns over the security of critical facilities. However, officials confirmed that the balloon contained no hazardous materials, and no injuries were reported.
In response to these provocations, South Korea has resumed the use of front-line loudspeakers to broadcast propaganda messages and popular South Korean music, including K-pop, into North Korean territory. This exchange of psychological operations comes amid rising tensions, driven by North Korea’s advancing nuclear program and South Korea’s intensified joint military exercises with the United States.
So far, no injuries or significant damage have been reported from the latest balloon incidents. However, the situation remains tense as both nations continue their tit-for-tat exchanges.
