The North Korean military has begun dismantling some of its anti-South loudspeakers in front-line areas, signaling a potential de-escalation on the peninsula. The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on August 9 that “North Korean military units were observed this morning removing loudspeakers targeting the South from several forward positions.” Authorities added, “Further verification is needed to determine whether all such devices are being withdrawn, and our military will continue to closely monitor related developments.”

North Korea has previously installed loudspeakers at more than 40 locations along the border, with some already having been removed prior to this latest activity. The move is seen as a response to recent actions taken by the South Korean military, which began dismantling over 20 fixed loudspeakers aimed at the North earlier this month in an effort to ease tensions between the two Koreas.

South Korea started removal work on August 4 and completed the withdrawal of all relevant equipment by the afternoon of August 5. All dismantled loudspeakers are currently being stored at military facilities.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Ministry of National Defense