North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, humiliated by a recent failed spy satellite test, has taken an action that South Korea is condemning. Kim Jong Un, previously known for his missile threats, is now sending balloons filled with garbage to South Korea.

North Korea has launched hundreds of these balloons with the intention of harassing South Korea. Approximately 260 of these balloons have been found across eight locations, including the capital, Seoul, and Gyeongsang. South Korean officials have warned the public to stay indoors and avoid contact with the balloons.

The South Korean army has expressed strong disapproval of this act. The Joint Chief of Staff of the South Korean army shared pictures of the balloons on social media, showing large balloons tied with ropes and plastic bags filled with garbage. The debris included plastic bottles, damaged shoe parts, and mud. The South Korean army is currently investigating and has deployed the Military Explosive Ordnance, Chemical, and Biological Warfare Response Team.

South Korean authorities have stated that North Korea’s actions violate international laws and pose a threat to public safety. They have warned North Korea to cease these inhumane acts immediately.

South Korean Public Reaction

Many South Koreans have shared videos and photos of the balloons on social media. Local residents reported that the balloons carried strings with attached items such as toilet paper, batteries, and various types of garbage. Upon discovering these items, citizens promptly informed the authorities. This has led to the discovery of similar balloons in eight different provinces. The South Korean government has urged citizens not to touch any of the balloon debris and to immediately report any sightings to the police.

The Motivation Behind North Korea’s Actions

The sending of garbage-filled balloons by North Korea is seen as a retaliatory act against South Korea. South Korean citizens often send items such as medicines, food, radios, TV shows, and pen drives with music to North Korea. These items are typically sent using balloons, drones, and bottles. South Korea also sends propaganda pamphlets to North Korea. However, in 2020, South Korea’s parliament banned the sending of such goods and pamphlets. Despite this ban, many North Korean defectors living in South Korea continue to send items like K-pop songs and USB drives to North Korea secretly.

Kim Jong Un has imposed a strict ban on listening to South Korean or any foreign songs. Punishments for violating this ban can be severe. In December 2022, two high school students were publicly executed for watching and distributing South Korean dramas. North Korea’s garbage-filled balloons are seen as a protest against the goods coming from South Korea.

North Korea’s Official Response

North Korea’s Deputy Defence Minister, Kim Kang Second, has defended the sending of garbage-filled balloons. He stated, “Soon garbage will accumulate in the South, then they will know how much effort it takes to remove it. If anyone threatens the sovereignty and security of North Korea, we will take immediate action against them.”

Escalating Military Tensions

In addition to the garbage-filled balloons, North Korea has also escalated military tensions by firing several suspected ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters. The South Korean Joint Chief of Staff reported that North Korea fired about ten short-range ballistic missiles near the capital, Pyongyang. These missiles travelled approximately 350 kilometers before falling into the waters off North Korea’s eastern coast. In response, the South Korean army has increased surveillance and vigilance and is sharing all important information with the United States and Japan.

The recent actions by North Korea, including sending garbage-filled balloons and firing ballistic missiles, have further strained the already tense relations between North and South Korea. South Korean officials and the military have condemned these acts and are taking necessary measures to ensure public safety and security. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, with hopes that diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the tensions and bring about a peaceful resolution.