The Ministry of National Defense began the removal of loudspeakers aimed at North Korea installed in forward areas on the 4th. All loudspeakers located on frontlines are set to be dismantled within weeks. This proactive removal follows President Lee Jae-myung's directive in June to halt broadcasts using these loudspeakers.
On the same day, the Ministry of National Defense reported the news of the loudspeaker removal, stating, "It is implementing practical measures that help ease tensions between North and South Korea within the scope that does not affect the military's readiness posture." More than 20 fixed loudspeakers directed at North Korea are targeted for removal. About 10 mobile loudspeakers were already withdrawn to the rear area in June when broadcasts aimed at North Korea were halted.
Previously, the South Korean government had instructed the military to cease broadcasts from loudspeakers aimed at North Korea on June 11. The loudspeaker broadcasts were resumed last June in response to North Korea's provocative balloon incidents and short-range missile launches. Following President Lee's directive, which pledged to ease tensions, the military preemptively halted the broadcasts. In response, North Korea also stopped its broadcasts directed at the South.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Lee Kyung-ho noted, "There was a discussion within the Ministry of National Defense as a follow-up measure after halting the broadcasts in June," adding, "I understand that there have been consultations with relevant departments." However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that this was not a matter discussed with North Korea.
North Korea reportedly has shown no significant movement. Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Seong-jun stated, "North Korea has done some maintenance on its loudspeakers directed at the South, but there has been no dismantling process," adding, "The (South-directed) broadcasts had brief static sounds, but this was not for broadcasting purposes; it was merely a maintenance check." He continued, "There were no other developments in North Korean military activities."
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the number of loudspeakers in North Korea exceeds that of South Korea. Historically, both North and South held a similar number of loudspeakers, but it has been reported that North Korea has increased its loudspeaker numbers over the past 1 to 2 years.