North Korea Releases Over 400 Trash Balloons

As of the 5th, over 20 falling objects confirmed in Seoul, Northern Gyeonggi, and other areas

North Korea has once again sent trash balloons. Recently, North Korea has been launching ballistic missiles following the trash balloons, raising expectations of additional military provocations.

On the 5th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "The day before, North Korea sent over 420 trash balloons, and so far, about 20 falling objects have been confirmed in Seoul and northern Gyeonggi areas," adding, "Please be cautious of falling objects, and if you find any fallen balloons, do not touch them and report to the nearest military unit or police."

It has been 25 days since North Korea last sent trash balloons toward the south on the 10th of last month. This is the twelfth time this year. The trash balloons identified on the 10th of last month numbered about 240, of which about 10 fell in our area.

This balloon release is interpreted as a reaction to the ongoing regular South Korea-U.S. joint exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield" (UFS) and the continuous loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea. In the past, North Korea has carried out provocations such as ballistic missile launches during the UFS exercises, but there were no notable movements this year. The military has been conducting limited loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea since July 18, when North Korea released its eighth trash balloon, and fully activated the broadcasts from July 21. With North Korea releasing trash balloons once again on this day, it is expected that our military will continue the loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea.

Additional military provocations by North Korea are also anticipated. Recently, after releasing trash balloons, North Korea has launched ballistic missiles. Following the trash balloon release on May 28, they launched one short-range ballistic missile on May 30; after the trash balloon release on June 25, they launched one ballistic missile on June 26; and following the trash balloon release on June 26, they conducted military provocations again on July 1 by launching two ballistic missiles.

A military official said, "We are maintaining a readiness posture to prepare for North Korea's military provocations," and added, "We are closely monitoring the situation."