Kim Yo-jong, the deputy director of the North Korean Workers' Party, hinted at the possibility of resuming loudspeaker operations directed at South Korea. In response, the South Korean government reaffirmed its stance of considering a "proportional response," including the reinstallation of loudspeakers aimed at the North, should the North actually proceed with its plans.
During a regular briefing on the 22nd, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na responded to a question about whether South Korea would consider installing loudspeakers in response to North Korea's actions, stating, "If North Korea does something, we naturally think there should be proportional measures. However, nothing has been decided yet."
Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Jang Do-young also noted, "We will take appropriate and effective measures through a joint investigation with the United Nations Command."
If South Korea opts for a proportional response, it may involve reinstalling over 20 fixed loudspeakers that were dismantled early in the Lee Jae-myung administration or deploying around 10 mobile loudspeakers. The deployment of mobile loudspeakers is considered a more immediate option.
On the same day, a Unification Ministry official stated that the decision to resume broadcasts via loudspeakers would be made through consultations among relevant departments, avoiding a direct answer.
This marks a shift from earlier comments by Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young, who had firmly rejected calls for resuming loudspeaker broadcasts as "irresponsible and extremely dangerous" in response to landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). While the previous emphasis was on restraint to avoid provoking tensions, the current stance suggests that South Korea may consider using loudspeakers if North Korea crosses certain lines.
However, concerns have been raised that if both sides resume loudspeaker broadcasts, it could escalate tensions in the DMZ and increase the risk of accidental clashes. In response to these concerns, Jeong stated, "The very fact that North Korea issues statements indicates a breakdown in communication. To prevent accidental clashes, North Korea must come to the negotiating table, and such actions must cease."
The Unification Ministry also pointed out in a media advisory regarding Kim Yo-jong's statements that "just over a year ago, we experienced unbearable suffering as both sides turned on loudspeakers against each other," emphasizing that past mistakes should not be repeated.
The ministry further stressed that actions that violate the armistice agreement and heighten tensions and the risk of conflict in the military demarcation line area must be immediately halted. It highlighted that a fundamental solution to prevent tensions and conflicts between the two Koreas is to align their positions on the military demarcation line and establish a communication system for peaceful management as soon as possible.
The ministry strongly urged the North to cease threats against the South and to work towards effective problem-solving.
Additionally, regarding North Korea's claim of deploying new artillery units, including 240mm and 600mm rocket launchers in border areas, military authorities stated that they have not detected any related movements.
During the briefing, Jang noted, "We have not identified any trends indicating the installation of new weapons, but we are monitoring the situation closely due to North Korea's claims."
Previously, Kim Yo-jong had reported inspecting fortification sites near the military demarcation line and has consistently increased pressure on the South with warnings about resuming loudspeaker operations while denying involvement in recent landmine incidents in the DMZ. The Defense Ministry reiterated on the 20th that it would not rule out any options and emphasized the principle of proportional and strict responses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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