South Korea has started removing loudspeakers along its border with North Korea, marking a new step by President Lee Jae-myung’s government to lower tensions between the two countries.
The South’s defense ministry confirmed on Monday that the process of dismantling the devices began earlier in the day and is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
These loudspeakers were used to broadcast messages critical of the North and had long been a source of discomfort for communities near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
The move follows the new administration’s decision in June to stop the broadcasts, shortly after President Lee took office following the impeachment of his predecessor.
The decision was part of a broader effort to build trust and revive diplomatic talks that have been on hold for years.
Following Seoul’s move to stop the broadcasts, North Korea also ended its own loudspeaker messages, which had similarly targeted the South.
Although both sides still remain in a technical state of war, these actions mark a shift in tone from recent years of heightened hostility.
Despite these developments, North Korea has responded coolly to the South’s efforts.
In a recent statement, a top official in Pyongyang dismissed the South’s attempts to restart dialogue, saying that no talks would be possible under the current circumstances.
While challenges remain, the South Korean government appears focused on avoiding direct confrontation and creating an atmosphere where communication could become possible again.
Removing the loudspeakers is seen as a practical step toward reducing friction along the heavily guarded border.