North Korea Escalates Border Tensions with Balloons
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea has sent 90 balloons filled with propaganda leaflets and waste into South Korea, prompting safety warnings from Seoul authorities.

North Korea balloons with trash and propaganda into South Korea

Safety Warnings Issued to South Korean Residents
Authorities have advised residents in Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces to stay indoors and avoid touching any unidentified objects. The military cautioned against handling the balloons and their plastic bags due to the presence of “filthy waste and trash.”

Historical Context of Balloon Propaganda
Both North and South Korea have used balloons for propaganda since the Korean War. This latest incident follows North Korea’s promise to retaliate against the frequent scattering of leaflets by South Korean activists.

Military Condemnation and Public Safety
South Korea’s military condemned the act as a “clear violation of international law” and a threat to public safety. Authorities are analyzing the contents of the balloons, which include toilet paper, soil, and batteries.

Ongoing Cross-Border Propaganda Efforts
Activists in South Korea have continued to launch balloons with anti-Pyongyang messages, cash, and banned media content. Despite a law passed in 2020 criminalizing these activities, the launches persist, raising concerns about freedom of speech.

Previous Incidents and Public Response
This is not the first time North Korea has used balloons to send waste into South Korea. In 2016, balloons carried hazardous substances, including cigarette butts and toilet paper. The ongoing balloon exchanges underscore the strained relations between the two Koreas.