The government has begun the process of dismantling fixed loudspeakers aimed at North Korea as a practical measure for easing tensions between South and North Korea.
On the 4th, the Ministry of National Defense officially announced, "Our military has started the dismantling of loudspeakers aimed at North Korea from today," adding, "This is a practical step to help ease tensions between the two Koreas within a scope that does not affect the military's readiness posture."
The loudspeakers being dismantled are approximately 20 fixed installations, and the Ministry of National Defense has stated that all dismantling work is expected to be completed within this week.
This action follows the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts to North Korea on June 11, shortly after the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung government. At that time, North Korea also responded by halting its broadcasts to South Korea.
Movements toward a North Korea conciliatory policy, including adjustments to the Korea-U.S. joint exercises
Military authorities are considering adjustments to the schedule of the Korea-U.S. joint exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS)," which is scheduled for mid-August, along with the dismantling of the loudspeakers.
The proposal currently under consideration reportedly involves dividing nearly half of the actual training into September. This discussion has progressed rapidly after Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young mentioned last month that he intends to propose adjustments to the Korea-U.S. joint exercises to the President, which is interpreted as part of a North Korea conciliatory policy.
This action is also timely, aligning with the remarks made by Kim Yo-jong, Vice Director of the Workers' Party, on the 28th of last month.
In her statement, Kim criticized the Lee Jae-myung government, stating that the "blind faith in the Korea-U.S. alliance and the attempts to confront us are no different from those of previous leaders," and mentioned, "There will be no day when the tension is alleviated due to the continuous execution of large-scale joint military exercises of an aggressive nature beyond our southern border."
Image source: An image of soldiers of the Baekma Unit on the western front dismantling the fixed loudspeakers aimed at North Korea installed in the civilian control zone in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. 2018.5.1/News1, News1
