Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}">Casualties and damage</h2>

In a statement, Seoul's Gangseo Fire Station said that "a fire broke out on the rooftop of a four-storey commercial building in the Western district of Seoul" at around 9:04 pm local time (1204 GMT).

The fire was doused in around 18 minutes, and 15 fire trucks had to be deployed to stop the fire from spreading. As per the fire department, there were no casualties.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:555,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-low-class-move-balloons-filled-with-trash-poop-sent-to-south-korea-726617" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-low-class-move-balloons-filled-with-trash-poop-sent-to-south-korea-726617&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea</a>

This comes as North Korea late on Sunday launched 120 trash-filled balloons towards the border towards South Korea. Previously, on Saturday, the nation had sent another 50 balloons, said South Korea's military on Monday (Sep 16).

Of these, 40 balloons, as per the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) had already landed in the South — mainly in northern Gyeonggi Province and the capital Seoul.

The trash balloons mostly contained "paper and plastic waste" said the JCS, adding that they posed no risk to the public.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:414,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}">Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea?</h2>

This escalation follows instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime.

In retaliation, North Korea in May threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name.

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Since then, the North has sent over 5,000 trash balloons southward.

Now, the balloons are equipped with timer devices that can cause fires. Earlier this month, these balloons caused two fires: one near an airport and another at a storage unit.

JCS spokesperson Lee Chang-hyun, as quoted by the news agency AFP told reporters "Some North Korean trash balloons have thermal timers that could potentially cause fires if they don't separate properly when the heating wire is activated, which acts to detach the balloon from its load."

"We have seen it being described as a 'timer explosion', but we would like to explain again that the method is where a thermal timer heats the balloon's material, causing it to tear apart in mid-air," he added.

He said that shooting down the balloons in the air "increases the risk of falling debris or hazardous materials," and that for now, "the safest approach is considered to be quickly collecting them after they fall naturally."

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse.

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse. Casualties and damage In a statement, Seoul's Gangseo Fire Station said that "a fire broke out on the rooftop of a four-storey commercial building in the Western district of Seoul" at around 9:04 pm local time (1204 GMT). The fire was doused in around 18 minutes, and 15 fire trucks had to be deployed to stop the fire from spreading. As per the fire department, there were no casualties. Also read | North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea This comes as North Korea late on Sunday launched 120 trash-filled balloons towards the border towards South Korea. Previously, on Saturday, the nation had sent another 50 balloons, said South Korea's military on Monday (Sep 16). Of these, 40 balloons, as per the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) had already landed in the South — mainly in northern Gyeonggi Province and the capital Seoul. The trash balloons mostly contained "paper and plastic waste" said the JCS, adding that they posed no risk to the public. Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea? This escalation follows instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime. In retaliation, North Korea in May threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name. Also read | North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound Since then, the North has sent over 5,000 trash balloons southward. Now, the balloons are equipped with timer devices that can cause fires. Earlier this month, these balloons caused two fires: one near an airport and another at a storage unit. JCS spokesperson Lee Chang-hyun, as quoted by the news agency AFP told reporters "Some North Korean trash balloons have thermal timers that could potentially cause fires if they don't separate properly when the heating wire is activated, which acts to detach the balloon from its load." "We have seen it being described as a 'timer explosion', but we would like to explain again that the method is where a thermal timer heats the balloon's material, causing it to tear apart in mid-air," he added. He said that shooting down the balloons in the air "increases the risk of falling debris or hazardous materials," and that for now, "the safest approach is considered to be quickly collecting them after they fall naturally." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Trash balloon from North Korea sparks fire on Seoul rooftop amid escalating tensions

A North Korean defector crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea by walking across the peninsula's dividing line, Seoul's military reported on Tuesday (Aug 20).

Since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea but the majority crosses the land border into China first.

Preliminary figures from the unification ministry show this year until June some 105 people defected. 
Seoul's military said it picked up one alleged North Korean individual on the eastern front and handed them over to the relevant authorities".&nbsp;

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According to Yonhap news agency, the defector was a staff sergeant who received some guidance from South Korea's military during the defection.&nbsp;

The number of defections has significantly decreased since 2020 after North Korea sealed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reportedly issuing shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China.

However, after border controls eased in 2023, the number of defections rose with 196 making it to the South last year.

According to local media reports, the latest defector walked along the road by the waterfront in eastern Gangwon province, and was wearing a North Korean military uniform when picked up by authorities.

This marks the second time this month that someone has crossed the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea. The first incident occurred on August 8.

This comes as relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North ramping up weapons testing and bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons.

A professor at Ewha Woman's University, Park Won-gon said a rise in defections suggested the internal situation is bad in North Korea.

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In retaliation for North Korea's trash balloon campaign, Seoul scrapped a military tension-reduction agreement and resumed border propaganda.

Such campaigns can take months to have any impact on defections, Park said.&nbsp;

"Turning on the loudspeaker doesn't mean the North Koreans are going to defect to the South right away," Park said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A North Korean defector crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea by walking across the peninsula's dividing line, Seoul's military reported on Tuesday (Aug 20).

A North Korean defector crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea by walking across the peninsula's dividing line, Seoul's military reported on Tuesday (Aug 20). Since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea but the majority crosses the land border into China first. Preliminary figures from the unification ministry show this year until June some 105 people defected. Seoul's military said it picked up one alleged North Korean individual on the eastern front and handed them over to the relevant authorities". Also read: Democrats say hi to Harris, bye to Biden at Democratic National Convention According to Yonhap news agency, the defector was a staff sergeant who received some guidance from South Korea's military during the defection. The number of defections has significantly decreased since 2020 after North Korea sealed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reportedly issuing shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China. However, after border controls eased in 2023, the number of defections rose with 196 making it to the South last year. According to local media reports, the latest defector walked along the road by the waterfront in eastern Gangwon province, and was wearing a North Korean military uniform when picked up by authorities. This marks the second time this month that someone has crossed the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea. The first incident occurred on August 8. This comes as relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North ramping up weapons testing and bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons. A professor at Ewha Woman's University, Park Won-gon said a rise in defections suggested the internal situation is bad in North Korea. Also read: Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged king's signature to start Yemen war: Report In retaliation for North Korea's trash balloon campaign, Seoul scrapped a military tension-reduction agreement and resumed border propaganda. Such campaigns can take months to have any impact on defections, Park said. "Turning on the loudspeaker doesn't mean the North Koreans are going to defect to the South right away," Park said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean defects to South by crossing border, says Seoul military

North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound.

Citing security officials, AFP reports that this incident prompted a swift response from Seoul, which mobilised chemical response teams.

<h2>Direct hit on the presidential compound</h2>

This marks the first instance where the South Korean leader's office in downtown Seoul, a highly secured area protected by numerous soldiers and a no-fly zone, was directly impacted by the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May.

"The chemical, biological, and radiological (warfare) response team has safely collected the trash balloons," the presidential security service confirmed to AFP.&nbsp;

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After investigation, results have confirmed that there was no danger or contamination of the object."

This comes as South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff previously confirmed the launch of these balloons by the North. Now, Seoul authorities on Wednesday have issued a warning to the city's citizens, urging them to avoid touching any fallen balloons and to report them.

"If you find any fallen balloons, do not touch them, and report them to the nearest military unit or police station."

<h2>Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea?</h2>

This incident marks the tenth occurrence this year of North Korea sending trash-carrying balloons across the border.

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The nation claims this is a retaliation for South Korean activists frequently launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong-un regime.

In May, North Korea threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 warned that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name.

"Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them," Kim&nbsp;reiterated in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound.

North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound. Citing security officials, AFP reports that this incident prompted a swift response from Seoul, which mobilised chemical response teams. Direct hit on the presidential compound This marks the first instance where the South Korean leader's office in downtown Seoul, a highly secured area protected by numerous soldiers and a no-fly zone, was directly impacted by the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May. "The chemical, biological, and radiological (warfare) response team has safely collected the trash balloons," the presidential security service confirmed to AFP. Also read | Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential rally After investigation, results have confirmed that there was no danger or contamination of the object." This comes as South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff previously confirmed the launch of these balloons by the North. Now, Seoul authorities on Wednesday have issued a warning to the city's citizens, urging them to avoid touching any fallen balloons and to report them. "If you find any fallen balloons, do not touch them, and report them to the nearest military unit or police station." Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea? This incident marks the tenth occurrence this year of North Korea sending trash-carrying balloons across the border. Also read | Paris Olympics 2024: Russian arrested over 'destabilisation' plot in French capital The nation claims this is a retaliation for South Korean activists frequently launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong-un regime. In May, North Korea threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 warned that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name. "Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them," Kim reiterated in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound

North Korea has once again sent hundreds of balloons filled with trash across the border into South Korea. According to a Yonhap News Agency report citing South Korea's military, Pyongyang&nbsp;floated approximately 310 balloons overnight this time.&nbsp;

The fresh 'trashing' comes after a warning from Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, about a potential "new counteraction" against South Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflets.

<h2>No toxic material this time</h2>

"The latest batch of waste-loaded balloons sent late Sunday contained scrap paper and plastic, with no toxic material detected so far," reported Yonhap, quoting South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. By early Monday, no additional balloons were observed.

<h2>Kim Yo Jong's warning</h2>

In a statement issued on Sunday (June 9), Kim Yo Jong warned South Korea to halt loudspeaker broadcasts and the scattering of leaflets.&nbsp;

According to North Korea's state news agency KCNA, she cautioned, "If the ROK simultaneously carries out the leaflet scattering and loudspeaker broadcasting provocation over the border, it will undoubtedly witness the new counteraction of the DPRK."

Referring to the loudspeaker broadcasts, Kim said, "This is a prelude to a very dangerous situation."

On Sunday, South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts targeting the North. This decision to continue with psychological warfare, as per Reuters, came after North Korea on Saturday (June 8) began launching 330 balloons with trash attached, with about 80 of them dropping over the border. The nation initially started this balloon warfare, labelled a "low class" move by the Seoul military in May, supposedly in retaliation for South's speaker propaganda.

South Korea's broadcasts, part of psychological warfare tactics, were initially halted under a 2018 agreement between the two Koreas' leaders but resumed following the recent provocations.

The loudspeaker broadcasts, which include world news, information about democratic and capitalist societies, and popular K-pop music, can be heard more than 20 kilometres (12.43 miles) into North Korea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has once again sent hundreds of balloons filled with trash across the border into South Korea. According to a Yonhap News Agency report citing South Korea's military, Pyongyang floated approximately 310 balloons overnight this time.

North Korea has once again sent hundreds of balloons filled with trash across the border into South Korea. According to a Yonhap News Agency report citing South Korea's military, Pyongyang floated approximately 310 balloons overnight this time. The fresh 'trashing' comes after a warning from Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, about a potential "new counteraction" against South Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflets. No toxic material this time "The latest batch of waste-loaded balloons sent late Sunday contained scrap paper and plastic, with no toxic material detected so far," reported Yonhap, quoting South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. By early Monday, no additional balloons were observed. Kim Yo Jong's warning In a statement issued on Sunday (June 9), Kim Yo Jong warned South Korea to halt loudspeaker broadcasts and the scattering of leaflets. According to North Korea's state news agency KCNA, she cautioned, "If the ROK simultaneously carries out the leaflet scattering and loudspeaker broadcasting provocation over the border, it will undoubtedly witness the new counteraction of the DPRK." Referring to the loudspeaker broadcasts, Kim said, "This is a prelude to a very dangerous situation." On Sunday, South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts targeting the North. This decision to continue with psychological warfare, as per Reuters, came after North Korea on Saturday (June 8) began launching 330 balloons with trash attached, with about 80 of them dropping over the border. The nation initially started this balloon warfare, labelled a "low class" move by the Seoul military in May, supposedly in retaliation for South's speaker propaganda. South Korea's broadcasts, part of psychological warfare tactics, were initially halted under a 2018 agreement between the two Koreas' leaders but resumed following the recent provocations. The loudspeaker broadcasts, which include world news, information about democratic and capitalist societies, and popular K-pop music, can be heard more than 20 kilometres (12.43 miles) into North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea sends more trash balloons to South amidst warning of 'new counteraction' by Kim Yo Jong

South Korea plans to suspend a military agreement signed with North Korea in 2018 aimed at easing tensions, the presidential office said on Monday, after Seoul warned of a strong response to balloons launched by Pyongyang carrying trash to the South.

North Korea has launched hundreds balloons carried by wind across the border that dropped trash throughout South Korea, which called it a provocation and rejected Pyongyang's claim it was done to inconvenience its neighbour.

The National Security Council said it would raise the plan to suspend the entirety of the military agreement for approval by the cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday.

Suspending the agreement will pave the way for the South to conduct training near the military border and take "sufficient and immediate measures" in response to North Korea's provocation, the Council said in a statement.

It did not elaborate what those measures may be.

The pact, which was the most substantive deal to come out months of historic summit meetings between the two Koreas in 2018, had been all but scrapped when Pyongyang declared last year it was no longer bound by it.

Since then, the North deployed troops and weapons at guard posts near the military border.

By continuing to comply with the pact, "there have been considerable problems in our military's readiness posture," the Council said.

South Korea has previously said it would take "unendurable" measures against North Korea for sending the trash balloons over the border, which could include blaring propaganda from loudspeakers positioned at the border directed at the North.

North Korea has said the balloons were in retaliation for a propaganda campaign by North Korean defectors and activists in the South, who regularly send inflatables containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets with food, medicine, money and USB sticks loaded with K-pop music videos and dramas across the border.

North Korea has reacted angrily to the campaign because it is worried about the potential impact of the materials on the psychology of the people who read or listen to them and on the state's control of the public, experts said.

South Korea plans to suspend a military agreement signed with North Korea in 2018 aimed at easing tensions, the presidential office said on Monday, after Seoul warned of a strong response to balloons launched by Pyongyang carrying trash to the South.

South Korea plans to suspend a military agreement signed with North Korea in 2018 aimed at easing tensions, the presidential office said on Monday, after Seoul warned of a strong response to balloons launched by Pyongyang carrying trash to the South. North Korea has launched hundreds balloons carried by wind across the border that dropped trash throughout South Korea, which called it a provocation and rejected Pyongyang's claim it was done to inconvenience its neighbour. The National Security Council said it would raise the plan to suspend the entirety of the military agreement for approval by the cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday. Suspending the agreement will pave the way for the South to conduct training near the military border and take "sufficient and immediate measures" in response to North Korea's provocation, the Council said in a statement. It did not elaborate what those measures may be. The pact, which was the most substantive deal to come out months of historic summit meetings between the two Koreas in 2018, had been all but scrapped when Pyongyang declared last year it was no longer bound by it. Since then, the North deployed troops and weapons at guard posts near the military border. By continuing to comply with the pact, "there have been considerable problems in our military's readiness posture," the Council said. South Korea has previously said it would take "unendurable" measures against North Korea for sending the trash balloons over the border, which could include blaring propaganda from loudspeakers positioned at the border directed at the North. North Korea has said the balloons were in retaliation for a propaganda campaign by North Korean defectors and activists in the South, who regularly send inflatables containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets with food, medicine, money and USB sticks loaded with K-pop music videos and dramas across the border. North Korea has reacted angrily to the campaign because it is worried about the potential impact of the materials on the psychology of the people who read or listen to them and on the state's control of the public, experts said.

South Korea to suspend military pact with North over trash balloons

North Korea has escalated its provocative actions against South Korea. The nation, as per local media reports on Wednesday (May 29), sent balloons filled with trash, toilet paper, and suspected human&nbsp;and animal faeces into South Korea.

Seoul's military has&nbsp;slammed the "low class" move, which follows a warning from Pyongyang that it would shower South Korean border areas with "mounds of wastepaper and filth" as punishment.

Photographs on the internet show white balloons full of, as per AFP, what appears&nbsp;to be trash and excrement.

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<h2>North Korean propaganda&nbsp;</h2>

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff has confirmed the presence of "unidentified objects believed to be North Korean propaganda leaflets"&nbsp;in the Gyeonggi-Gangwon border area&nbsp;and stated that the military was taking necessary action.&nbsp;

They urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities, avoid contact with unknown objects, and report any findings to military bases or the police.

Condemning the North's actions as a violation&nbsp;of international laws and a serious threat to public safety, the South Korean military said that some balloons contained suspected trash.&nbsp;

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"We sternly warn the North to immediately stop its inhumane and low-class actions," the statement added.

Gyeonggi province sent a text message alert to residents on Tuesday night, advising them to "refrain from outdoor activities and report (objects from North Korea) to military bases when identified."

<h2>Which South Korean action invited this retaliation?</h2>

This escalation follows frequent instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime.

In retaliation, North Korea recently threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on Sunday (May 26) said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name.

"Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them," Kim&nbsp;reiterated in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

"North Korea would scatter waste over South Korea's border areas in response to the propaganda leaflets."

"This is a stern message to South Korea that North Korea can retaliate with similar propaganda tactics and that the South should cease its activities immediately," Cheong Seong-chang of the Sejong Institute told AFP.

Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has escalated its provocative actions against South Korea. The nation, as per local media reports on Wednesday (May 29), sent balloons filled with trash, toilet paper, and suspected human and animal faeces into South Korea.

North Korea has escalated its provocative actions against South Korea. The nation, as per local media reports on Wednesday (May 29), sent balloons filled with trash, toilet paper, and suspected human and animal faeces into South Korea. Seoul's military has slammed the "low class" move, which follows a warning from Pyongyang that it would shower South Korean border areas with "mounds of wastepaper and filth" as punishment. Photographs on the internet show white balloons full of, as per AFP, what appears to be trash and excrement. Also read | Palestine's militant group Islamic Jihad releases hostage video of Amazon worker in Gaza North Korean propaganda South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff has confirmed the presence of "unidentified objects believed to be North Korean propaganda leaflets" in the Gyeonggi-Gangwon border area and stated that the military was taking necessary action. They urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities, avoid contact with unknown objects, and report any findings to military bases or the police. Condemning the North's actions as a violation of international laws and a serious threat to public safety, the South Korean military said that some balloons contained suspected trash. Also read | Taiwan government to reject contested parliament reforms "We sternly warn the North to immediately stop its inhumane and low-class actions," the statement added. Gyeonggi province sent a text message alert to residents on Tuesday night, advising them to "refrain from outdoor activities and report (objects from North Korea) to military bases when identified." Which South Korean action invited this retaliation? This escalation follows frequent instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime. In retaliation, North Korea recently threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on Sunday (May 26) said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name. "Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them," Kim reiterated in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. "North Korea would scatter waste over South Korea's border areas in response to the propaganda leaflets." "This is a stern message to South Korea that North Korea can retaliate with similar propaganda tactics and that the South should cease its activities immediately," Cheong Seong-chang of the Sejong Institute told AFP. Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea