Seul and London – The South Korean Army began to dismantle speakers that had been placed along its border with North Korea, said the Ministry of Defense of South Korea.
The previous administration used the speakers throughout the demilitarized area to transmit music and news through the border, where the government led by leader Kim Jong a tight control over the media.
The measure rose to a practical measure that was destined to relieve tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang, efforts that have been led by the president of the South, Lee Jae Myung, who assumed the position in June.
A pole of the North Korean Military Guard, the speaker, the upper right, and the military position of the South Korean Military Guard, Bottom, are seen from Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Monday, August 4, 2025.
Ahn Young-Joon/AP
The leadership of North Korea had asked for speakers to be demolished, saying that they were “psychologically harmful” with people near the border, but they also seemed ready to reject any overture of Lee’s office.
“We reiterate our official position that we have no interest in any established or proposal policy made in Seoul, and that we have no intention of meeting with South Korea or discussing any problem with it,” said Kim Yo Jong, sister of the leader, at the end of July, according to the Central News Agency of Korea, an outlet of the state media.
She added: “The relationship between the two countries has already moved completely and irreversibly beyond the time frame of the concept of compatriotism.”
The South Korean army said that the speakers who retire would not affect their preparation.
ABC News’ Will Gretsky contributed to this report.
