Politics · Singapore Bureau
Kim Yo Jong threatens Seoul as North Korea readies border loudspeakers
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong has warned South Korea of severe consequences if Seoul continues what Pyongyang characterises as interference, with the regime preparing to activate propaganda broadcasts along the heavily fortified border within days.
LSN Singapore ·
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued the warning through state media on Wednesday, escalating rhetoric between the divided peninsula's governments. She cautioned Seoul of "the most horrible and distressing situation" should the South persist in actions Pyongyang deems as meddling in its internal affairs.
The statement comes as North Korea signals it will soon deploy loudspeakers along the Demilitarised Zone to broadcast propaganda and messaging into South Korean territory. Such broadcasts were last extensively used during periods of heightened tension between the neighbours and are considered deeply provocative by Seoul.
The timing of the threat reflects rising military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea's defence ministry confirmed it is monitoring North Korean activities closely and maintaining readiness should propaganda broadcasts resume.
Cross-border loudspeaker campaigns were suspended in 2018 following diplomatic talks, but their threatened redeployment signals a significant deterioration in inter-Korean relations. The broadcasts, often featuring political messaging and criticism of South Korea's government, can be heard across the demarcation line separating the two nations.