North Korea has apparently stopped using its loudspeakers along the border directed at South Korea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Thursday (June 12). Officials reported that no broadcasts were heard that day, and the South Korean military is closely monitoring any developments from the North.

This comes just a day after South Korea suspended its own loudspeaker broadcasts targeting North Korea. These broadcasts, which had resumed last year, featured propaganda messages and popular South Korean music, including K-pop. They were part of a psychological warfare tactic used during periods of heightened tension between the two countries.

The decision to halt the broadcasts was made by newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who assumed office earlier this month. President Lee had campaigned on a platform of re-engaging with North Korea and has expressed his intention to ease military tensions and reopen dialogue. A spokesperson for the president stated that the suspension of the broadcasts was part of efforts to reduce friction and create a more stable environment along the border.

Residents living near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) have expressed frustration over the loudspeaker operations, citing serious noise pollution and disruptions to their daily lives. The removal of these broadcasts is likely to bring some relief to those communities. Both Koreas have previously used loudspeakers to deliver propaganda and information across the border, a tactic that has often sparked retaliation and raised tensions in the region.