By Alimat Aliyeva
South Korea has suspended propaganda broadcasts from
loudspeakers along the border with the DPRK, as the country’s new
administration signals a shift in its political approach toward
Pyongyang, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.
A representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) explained to
the agency that the decision to halt the broadcasts was made as
part of efforts to fulfill a promise to restore trust between the
two Koreas and maintain peace across the entire Korean
Peninsula.
This move marks a significant change in Seoul’s policy, which
previously relied heavily on loudspeaker broadcasts as a
psychological warfare tactic to influence North Korean soldiers and
citizens. The suspension reflects hopes for a reduction in tensions
and an opening for dialogue after years of strained relations.
Earlier, it was reported that a South Korean Air Force aircraft
encountered an emergency situation during military exercises,
highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining readiness amid a
tense security environment.
The suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts comes amid broader
diplomatic efforts in the region, including renewed talks on
denuclearization and peace-building initiatives. This step could
help reduce provocations and build momentum toward future summits
between South Korean and North Korean leaders.
However, experts warn that while symbolic, the move alone is
unlikely to resolve deep-rooted issues such as North Korea’s
nuclear program and human rights concerns. Still, it signals a
willingness on Seoul’s part to explore new avenues of engagement,
potentially opening the door for more substantial diplomatic
progress in the near future.