South Korea stopped its anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts on Wednesday afternoon. President Lee Jae-myung personally issued the order to suspend the program at 2 p.m. sharp. He framed the move as part of his broader peace policy for the Korean Peninsula. The decision followed recent calm along the inter-Korean border. Lee aims to restart dialogue without raising tensions.
During a press briefing in Seoul, spokesperson Kang Yu-jung explained the government’s rationale. She highlighted that the suspension supports Lee’s peace policy objectives. She also noted the broadcasts have long disturbed residents in border towns. Many civilians had complained about the relentless noise and anxiety. Therefore, halting the program addresses both diplomatic and domestic concerns.
Kang added that the pause came after a careful Cabinet discussion. Officials reached consensus during a meeting on Tuesday. Lee emphasized his commitment to de-escalation, even without immediate action from Pyongyang. The government acknowledged North Korea has not staged major provocations recently. As a result, the president decided to show goodwill first.
Lee had previously promised to stop the broadcasts during his election campaign. His peace policy includes reducing military friction along the border. On June 4, he took office, and just a week later, he followed through. His administration continues to signal openness to engagement. It hopes small steps may lead to broader trust.
The previous government under Yoon Suk Yeol resumed the broadcasts in 2024. That decision ended a six-year break in the psychological campaign. It followed a string of provocations, including trash-laden balloons from the North. Seoul then suspended the 2018 military agreement with Pyongyang. Now, the peace policy under Lee intends to reverse that cycle.
Officials say the government may reintroduce the program if tensions return. However, the current focus remains on calming the region. Lee believes mutual trust offers a better path than confrontation. His peace policy faces challenges but begins with symbolic steps. This latest move reflects a strategic shift in tone and action.
