South Korea has begun removing border loudspeakers used for propaganda broadcasts towards North Korea. This move, initiated by President Lee Jae Myung's administration, aims to de-escalate tensions. The decision was made unilaterally, without prior consultation with North Korea, which has yet to respond. While the removal is seen as a gesture of goodwill, the loudspeakers could be reinstated if tensions rise. The broadcasts, which included news and K-pop, had been resumed in June 2024 after balloon incidents from the North. Despite Seoul's efforts, Pyongyang remains uninterested in dialogue.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.