North Korea sends 600 trash balloons to S.Korea

North Korea has heightened its provocative actions against South Korea by launching hundreds of balloons filled with trash across the border, according to reports from South Korea’s military.

This recent move is seen as retaliation for activists sending anti-North Korean leaflets into North Korean territory.

Over the weekend, around 600 balloons carrying cigarette butts, cloth scraps, waste paper, and vinyl were found in various parts of South Korea. Although no hazardous substances were detected, the South Korean military has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects to authorities.

This escalation follows a series of provocative acts by North Korea, including a failed spy satellite launch and short-range missile tests designed to showcase its capability to preemptively strike South Korea.

In response to the influx of trash-filled balloons, South Korea’s military has deployed chemical rapid response and explosive clearance teams to recover debris from some 260 balloons found earlier in the week. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's powerful leader Kim Jong Un, confirmed the North's involvement, stating the balloons were sent as a retaliation against leafleting campaigns.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry warned North Korea of "unbearable" consequences if such provocations continue but stated that shooting down the balloons was not an option due to concerns about causing damage and further escalating tensions.

North Korea’s sensitivity to external influences underscores its commitment to maintaining strict control over its population, most of whom have limited access to foreign news.

Tensions between the two Koreas have been high since 2020, with previous retaliatory actions including North Korea's destruction of a South Korean liaison office last year.