Seoul issued a public warning on Saturday to avoid balloons sent from North Korea and to report them to the military or police. The balloons, carrying “filth” across the heavily fortified border, were part of a continued campaign by North Korea to retaliate against an ongoing propaganda campaign by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea.
North Korea’s “Gifts of Sincerity”
North Korea had earlier sent hundreds of balloons carrying trash and excrement, which it called “gifts of sincerity.” The country vowed to send more, prompting South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik to describe the actions as “unimaginably petty and low-grade behavior.”
Public Safety Message Broadcasted
A public message was broadcasted by the city of Seoul, asking citizens to refrain from touching balloons identified in the sky near Seoul and to report them to the military. Other regional governments were also asked to broadcast similar messages, the defence ministry said.
Background of the Conflict
The balloons are part of a long-standing propaganda campaign by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea.
These individuals send balloons containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets, food, medicine, money, and USB sticks loaded with K-pop music videos and dramas across the border. North Korea views these actions as a threat to its authority and has responded with the recent balloon campaign.
Military Handling of the Situation
The South Korean military is handling the situation, and citizens are advised to report any balloons they see to the military or police. The military is working to prevent any potential harm or disruption caused by the balloons, which are carrying unsanitary materials.
