North Korea sent dozens of balloons laden with garbage and feces to South Korea, the military says world

North Korea has sent about 150 balloons to South Korea, transporting waste and garbage, according to information released by the South Korean military on Wednesday (29). An alert has been issued for residents living in the border areas.

Balloons began to be seen flying over South Korean territory on Tuesday night (28). According to the South Korean government, some balloons were able to reach a province in the southwest of the country.

Pictures published by the South Korean press show white balloons tied to plastic bags filled with garbage. The army stated that it found waste such as plastic bottles, batteries, parts of shoes, as well as feces.

Authorities believe that sending the balloons to South Korea is a response to a similar action promoted by South Korean activists and North Korean defectors.

In recent years, critics of Kim Jong Un’s regime have sent balloons to North Korea loaded with leaflets containing negative information about the North Korean government, as well as flash cards containing Korean pop songs.

South Korea discouraged activists from continuing this practice, saying such actions do not contribute to peace. A law banning balloon launches was approved in 2021, but was struck down by the Supreme Court on the grounds of freedom of expression.

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, North Korea promised “direct action” against “dirty things” sent from South Korea.

In the face of the alleged North Korean response, South Korean authorities asked residents not to approach the balloons sent by North Korea. Instead, the public should contact police.

The South Korean military said in a statement: “These actions by North Korea clearly violate international law and seriously threaten the security of our people.”

The South still describes the North’s position as “inhumane” and “vulgar.”

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