North Korea to switch border loudspeakers back on as Kim Yo Jong warns Seoul
Loudspeakers are to operate along the entire border within October. South Korea is urging dialogue and has announced "proportionate measures."
Archive image · Photo: U.S. Department of State from United States / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (cropped and resized)
North Korea says it will resume propaganda broadcasts along its heavily fortified border with South Korea. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said after visiting border fortifications with senior military officials that loudspeakers for psychological warfare would be in operation along the entire border within October. She warned Seoul of "the most horrible and distressing situation" if it continues to interfere in the North's internal affairs.
Kim accused South Korean troops of firing warning shots and making warning broadcasts at several points along the border and said the North would "show no mercy" if they cause harm. Seoul called the shots legitimate defensive measures. According to South Korea's military, North Korean soldiers have crossed the military demarcation line 50 times this year during fortification work.
Tensions escalated after a mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone in September that injured South Korean soldiers. Seoul blames North Korea, which denies responsibility. South Korea's Defense Ministry announced "proportionate measures," while the Unification Ministry urged the North to return to talks. President Lee Jae Myung has pursued engagement since taking office in June 2025.