President Lee Orders Halt to Loudspeaker Broadcasts Toward North Korea Starting 2 p.m. Today

"A Measure to Alleviate the Suffering of Border Residents
and Open the Way for Restoring Mutual Trust Between South and North Korea"

The Office of the President announced that President Lee Jaemyung ordered a halt to loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea starting at 2:00 p.m. on June 11.

Yonhap News

Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, "President Lee instructed our military authorities to suspend the operation of loudspeaker broadcasting units installed in the forward areas." She explained, "This measure reflects the government's commitment to restoring trust in inter-Korean relations and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, and fulfills a promise President Lee made to the public during the presidential campaign."

She also emphasized that the decision was made to alleviate the suffering of residents in border areas and to open the way for mutual trust between South and North Korea. Spokesperson Kang said, "This is a practical measure to reduce the pain suffered by residents in border regions due to North Korea's noise broadcasts." She added, "Given the recent absence of major provocations from North Korea, President Lee made a preemptive decision to ease tensions. This measure aims to reduce military confrontation between the two Koreas and to open the way for restoring mutual trust."

Spokesperson Kang further stated, "This administration will continue to carefully review and address related issues based on the two core principles of public safety and peace on the Korean Peninsula."

It was reported that there was no separate consultation with the North regarding the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts. An official from the presidential office said, "There was no prior consultation with the North," adding, "This is something President Lee has repeatedly stated since the presidential campaign, and since restoring trust in inter-Korean relations and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula requires fulfilling promises made to the public, the decision was made in line with his intentions."

Meanwhile, the Yoon Sukyeol administration decided on June 9 last year to conduct daily loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea in response to the North's release of trash balloons toward the South.