North Korea Launches 20 Trash Balloons to South

The United Nations Command's recent investigation found that South Korea's broadcasts of anti-Kim Jong-un propaganda have inadvertently encouraged North Korea to launch trash-filled balloons towards the South. According to a memo from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, these broadcasts not only failed to deter the North's actions but also provided justifications for them. This development comes after North Korea floated approximately 20 balloons carrying household waste across the border, marking the first such action since recent military threats exchanged between the two Koreas. The South Korean Minister of National Defense expressed disagreement with the UN's findings and has requested a reassessment of the situation. Additionally, since late May, North Korea has reportedly launched over 5,000 trash balloons in retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets from defectors and activists in the South. The situation raises ongoing tensions along the Korean Peninsula as both sides navigate military and propaganda measures.