North Korea Drops Trash Balloons on South Korea, Prompting Tension.

By Caroline Ameh

North Korea has dropped at least 260 balloons filled with trash over South Korea, prompting authorities to issue warnings to residents to avoid outdoor activities and refrain from touching any unidentified objects.

South Korea’s military has cautioned the public against coming into contact with the white balloons and plastic bags attached to them, citing the presence of “filthy waste and trash” within. The balloons have been discovered in eight out of nine provinces in South Korea and are currently under analysis by authorities.

The recent incident comes in the wake of North Korea’s threat to retaliate against what it perceives as provocative actions by activists in South Korea, including the scattering of leaflets and other materials along the border.

Kim Kang Il, North Korea’s vice-minister of defense, warned of repercussions, stating that “mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK [Republic of Korea],” referring to South Korea.

Residents living near the border region and north of Seoul received text messages urging them to report any unidentified objects and to refrain from outdoor activities. Photographs shared on social media depict balloons carrying various items, including toilet paper, soil, and batteries.

South Korea’s military has condemned the act as a “clear violation of international law” and emphasized North Korea’s responsibility for the safety of South Korean citizens.

Activists in South Korea have previously used balloons to send messages, cash, and banned media content into North Korea. However, the recent escalation has heightened tensions between the two countries, with South Korea’s parliament passing laws to criminalize the launch of anti-Pyongyang leaflets.

Both North and South Korea have a history of utilizing balloons for propaganda purposes, but this recent incident underscores the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region.