North Korea Resumes Trash-Filled Balloon Campaign

South Korea has accused North Korea of launching more trash-filled balloons across the border in the latest act of Cold War-style psychological warfare between the two nations. Around 420 balloons were detected from Wednesday evening to early Thursday, with approximately 20 landing in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. These balloons contained paper waste, plastic bottles, and other trash but no hazardous materials. North Korea claims the launches are in retaliation for South Korean activists sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. South Korea has responded by blasting propaganda messages and K-pop songs toward the North. The ongoing balloon exchanges contribute to rising tensions amid North Korea's growing nuclear ambitions and South Korea's increased military activities with the United States.