South Korea has suspended its long-running military radio broadcast targeting North Korea, a move officials say is part of efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The decision, announced on Monday by Seoul’s Ministry of National Defence, marks the first halt in 15 years since broadcasts resumed following the sinking of a South Korean warship by the North.
The broadcast, known as Voice of Freedom, has been used as a tool of psychological warfare, transmitting news critical of Pyongyang’s regime, updates on South Korea’s economic growth, and even elements of K-pop culture. “The Ministry of National Defence has suspended broadcasts of Voice of Freedom as part of measures to ease military tensions between the South and North,” said deputy spokesperson Lee Kyung-ho at a press briefing.
The suspension comes under the administration of President Lee Jae Myung, who has pursued steps to reduce hostility, including halting border loudspeaker propaganda shortly after taking office in June. Lee has pledged to take further initiatives to revive inter-Korean dialogue and has even suggested facilitating a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
However, Pyongyang has so far dismissed these overtures, saying it has no interest in talks with Seoul. Instead, Kim Jong Un is preparing for a high-profile visit to China this week to attend a military parade alongside President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the 1950–53 Korean conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Analysts say the suspension of the broadcasts could be a symbolic step toward reopening dialogue, though much depends on Pyongyang’s response.
Melissa Enoch
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