Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, threatened to activate loudspeakers along the border with South Korea by the end of this month during an inspection of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) with Pak Jong-chon, the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, on October 20. This move comes as North Korea continues to fortify its borders, undermining the military buffer role of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), while labeling South Korea's normal warning shots as provocations.
Despite North Korea's escalating military tensions, the South Korean government has responded with a lack of clear principles and strategies. The administration of Lee Jae-myung has preemptively halted loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea, emphasizing dialogue and reconciliation. However, North Korea has not reciprocated, instead pushing forward with border fortifications and threatening to activate loudspeakers against the South. The government must reflect on the consequences of withdrawing its response measures without eliciting any change in North Korea's behavior. Keeping the door open for dialogue is different from conceding on security principles. Repeated unilateral concessions may send the wrong signal that North Korea can gain more through pressure rather than negotiation.
The threat of North Korea's loudspeaker activation is not merely a noise issue. It may be a psychological tactic aimed at increasing anxiety among South Korean citizens and testing the government's resolve. If North Korea does activate the loudspeakers, the South Korean military must assess the situation and threat level closely to respond appropriately. However, it is crucial not to assume that North Korea will act in a predictable manner based on past behavior or to hastily conclude that the government's North Korea policy has failed due to this threat. The key is to analyze North Korea's intentions calmly and to respond firmly to provocations while avoiding unnecessary military clashes.
If necessary, the government should hold its diplomatic and security officials accountable. Calls for the dismissal of Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young and National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok reflect growing distrust in the North Korea policy. A recent survey by Hankyoreh Research conducted from October 17 to 19 found that 56.5% of respondents believed Jeong should be replaced, while 51.3% felt the same about Lee.
The success of security policies cannot be judged solely by intent. It should be evaluated based on how the actions of the counterpart have changed after the policy was implemented and what results it has brought for public safety and military stability. The government should not dismiss criticism as outdated or political strife but must demonstrate the effectiveness of its policies to the public.
The decision to resume loudspeaker broadcasts should be based on security effectiveness rather than ideology or emotion. If North Korea activates its loudspeakers and poses a threat to the South Korean military and citizens, the government must quickly review its response measures, including the resumption of broadcasts. Responses should be decisive yet proportional.
Peace cannot be maintained through unilateral goodwill alone, nor can it be secured solely through tough rhetoric and counteractions. An effective strategy is needed to reduce the benefits that the adversary can gain through provocations while clearly outlining the advantages of choosing dialogue and de-escalation. This requires a solid military readiness posture, consistent response principles, and close cooperation with allies. At the same time, communication channels must be maintained to prevent accidental clashes between the North and South, prioritizing the safety of South Korean citizens.
North Korea's threat to activate loudspeakers serves as a test of how well the government's North Korea policy aligns with reality. The government should not present reconciliation efforts as achievements but must prove the effectiveness of its policies through actual changes in North Korea's behavior. When provoked, the government must respond decisively, and when opportunities for dialogue arise, it should utilize them while adhering to its principles. If peace is desired, the government must demonstrate both the strength and will to maintain it. It is time for the government to reassess its North Korea policy, which has remained in hopeful anticipation, and present a credible security strategy that the public can trust.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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