South Korea Silences Border Broadcasts to Ease Tensions with North

South Korea's military took a goodwill measure by ending loudspeaker broadcasts along the inter-Korean border, aiming to ease tensions with North Korea. This move represents the first concrete step by the new liberal government under President Lee Jae-myung.

The broadcasts were initially resumed in June last year in response to North Korea's psychological warfare tactics, involving balloons carrying trash being flown into the South. The initiative is part of broader efforts to restore trust in inter-Korean ties and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry.

While North Korea has not commented on the cessation of broadcasts, the efforts to improve relations with the diplomatically aloof regime face challenges due to its nuclear ambitions and shifting foreign policy focuses, including strengthened ties with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)