North Korean trash balloon lands at South Korean presidential compound
North Korea has previously accused South Korea of sending drones to drop propaganda in Pyongyang and warned of potential military retaliation. South Korea has not confirmed these accusations but has cautioned North Korea that any threat to its citizens could lead to severe consequences.
In a surprising incident on Thursday, debris carried by a North Korean balloon landed at South Korea’s presidential compound in central Seoul, officials reported. This marks the second occurrence of its kind in recent months, raising alarms regarding the security of key sites in South Korea amid escalating tensions with North Korea.
Incident Details
The balloon reportedly burst over the presidential compound, scattering trash across the area. Fortunately, the South Korean Presidential Security Service confirmed that no hazardous materials were found in the debris. This incident comes on the heels of North Korea’s recent threats, which included accusations against South Korea for allegedly flying drones over Pyongyang to distribute propaganda leaflets earlier this month.
North Korean balloon dumps trash on South Korea’s presidential compound.
— AF Post (@AFpost) October 24, 2024
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/FHsEVNUTGP
A Cold War Strategy
Since May, North Korea has employed balloons to send trash into South Korea as part of a revived psychological warfare strategy reminiscent of the Cold War. In a similar incident in July, trash also fell on the presidential compound, but it caused no injuries or immediate threats to safety.
It is currently unclear whether South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was present at the compound during this latest event. His official schedule indicated a planned meeting later that day with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Propaganda Leaflets and Technology
According to South Korea’s Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, the North Korean balloons also carried propaganda leaflets targeting President Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. These leaflets were reported to have scattered across the Yongsan district, where the presidential office is situated. Some reports suggest that North Korea may be utilizing GPS technology to enhance the accuracy of its balloon drops.
However, the South Korean presidential security service has not verified these claims. Experts like Lee Choon Geun from the Science and Technology Policy Institute assert that North Korea likely lacks the sophisticated targeting technology needed for precise drops, with the balloons’ accuracy largely dependent on wind conditions rather than advanced guidance systems.
North Korea has previously accused South Korea of deploying drones to drop propaganda in Pyongyang, warning of potential military retaliation. While South Korea has not confirmed these allegations, it has cautioned North Korea that any threat to its citizens could result in severe repercussions.
