"No Prior Consultation with North Korea...
Dismantling to Be Completed Within a Few Days"
On August 4, the South Korean military began dismantling loudspeakers along the Military Demarcation Line that had been used for broadcasts toward North Korea. Regarding this measure, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "This is a practical step to help ease tensions between the two Koreas, within the scope that does not affect the military's readiness posture."
Lee Kyungho, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, announced during a regular briefing that "the military began dismantling the loudspeakers for North Korea starting today." This follows the preemptive and complete suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea on June 11. Now, the military is proceeding to remove the loudspeakers themselves, which are the underlying infrastructure for such broadcasts.
The loudspeakers targeting North Korea were previously dismantled in May 2018 during the Moon Jae-in administration. At that time, the 'Panmunjom Declaration' included an agreement between the two Koreas to "cease all hostile acts, including loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflet distribution, and remove their means in the areas near the Military Demarcation Line starting May 1, and to work toward making the Demilitarized Zone a genuine peace zone."
However, the loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea resumed in June last year during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. This was a countermeasure in response to North Korea's continued sending of trash-filled balloons. Regarding the background of the current dismantling, Deputy Spokesperson Lee explained, "After the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts in June, the Ministry of National Defense discussed follow-up measures and consulted with relevant departments, including the National Security Council, but there was no prior consultation with North Korea."
The current dismantling reportedly targets the military's fixed loudspeakers. The mobile loudspeakers have already ceased operation. Deputy Spokesperson Lee stated, "The dismantling covers all targets, meaning the fixed loudspeakers will be removed," and added, "The dismantling work is expected to be completed within a few days."
North Korea has not shown any particular response so far. Lee Sungjun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, "North Korea has been seen maintaining its loudspeakers aimed at the South, but there have been no signs of dismantling. There are no other notable movements by the North Korean military at this time."
Some observers express concern that if North Korea carries out similar provocations in the future, it may become difficult for the South to resume loudspeaker broadcasts. Regarding this, spokesperson Lee stated, "The military always maintains a high level of readiness."
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