South Korea has announced the resumption of anti-North Korean propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the border in response to North Korea’s recent act of sending over 1000 balloons filled with trash and manure.

This move is expected to further strain relations between the two countries and could potentially escalate tensions, given the history of retaliatory actions from Pyongyang.

The decision follows an emergency security meeting led by South Korean national security director Chang Ho-jin, where officials decided to proceed with the broadcasts.

South Korean authorities condemned North Korea’s actions, holding them solely responsible for any escalation of tensions, NBC News has reported.

The North’s balloon campaign was reportedly triggered by South Korean activists sending anti-North Korean leaflets and USB sticks containing South Korean entertainment, which Pyongyang perceives as a threat to its regime.

The resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts could involve airing anti-Pyongyang messages, K-pop songs, and outside news along the heavily fortified border.

Written by B.C. Begley