North Korea drops trash balloons on the South

North Korea has released at least 150 balloons carrying waste into South Korea, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. South Korea’s military warned the public against touching the white balloons and attached plastic bags, which contain “filthy waste and trash.” These balloons have been discovered in eight out of nine South Korean provinces and are currently under analysis.

The incident follows North Korea’s recent threat to retaliate against South Korean activists’ use of balloons for propaganda. North Korea’s vice minister of defence, Kim Kang Il, indicated that similar waste would be sent to South Korea as a response. South Korean authorities issued text alerts to residents near the border, urging them to avoid outdoor activities and report any unidentified objects to military or police.

Photographs on social media depict bags attached to balloons carrying various items, including toilet paper, soil, and batteries. Some balloons appeared to contain faeces, according to reports. The South Korean military condemned the act as a violation of international law and a threat to public safety, holding North Korea responsible. This exchange of balloon propaganda has a long history, with both Koreas using them for psychological warfare since the 1950s.