North Korea has announced plans to restart propaganda loudspeakers along its entire border with South Korea within days, marking a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued the warning on Thursday following an inspection of border fortifications, according to the state news agency KCNA.
The statement follows a previous declaration by Kim Yo-jong that the broadcasts would resume sometime in October. If implemented, this would be the first exchange of propaganda audio across the border in 16 months. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had suspended broadcasts from the southern side shortly after taking office in June 2025 to ease tensions, and the military dismantled the speakers in August of that year.
Border Fortifications and Mine Blast
The threat comes amid rising tensions since September, when a landmine blast south of the military demarcation line injured three South Korean soldiers, two of them seriously. Seoul and the United Nations Command, which oversees the 1953 armistice, concluded the explosion was caused by a North Korean anti-personnel mine, calling it a violation of the armistice agreement. Pyongyang has denied responsibility, labeling the incident a “self-staged farce.”
Kim Yo-jong inspected several fortification points along the border on Wednesday alongside Pak Jong-chon, a marshal and adviser to Pyongyang’s defence ministry. She described the border as “clearly blocked and turned into a fortress more thoroughly,” adding that Kim Jong-un had instructed her that it “should be a permanent line never to be crossed.” Since Kim Jong-un declared the two Koreas “two states hostile to each other” in December 2023, North Korea has laid mines, strung barbed wire, and erected anti-tank barriers along the 250km dividing line.
Seoul’s Response and Historical Context
South Korean officials have indicated they are prepared to respond if the broadcasts resume. A defence ministry spokesperson stated in a briefing on Thursday that “naturally there would have to be a proportional measure,” though no final decision had been made. The joint chiefs of staff noted that routine maintenance of the North’s loudspeakers had been observed prior to Kim Yo-jong’s statements.
Historically, both sides have used giant loudspeakers to broadcast messages across the border. In recent years, North Korea has played haunting bestial howls, while South Korea opted for K-pop music and news programs criticizing Pyongyang. Seoul says North Korean troops have repeatedly crossed the military demarcation line during construction work, prompting South Korean soldiers to issue warnings over loudspeakers and fire warning shots. North Korea has characterized these warning shots and broadcasts as provocations by “armed rogues.” The resumption of the propaganda loudspeakers would signal a further hardening of positions on both sides of the heavily fortified border.
Source: The Guardian
