North Korea Prepares to Restart Propaganda Loudspeakers as Ties Sour with South
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 2:35 pm AEST
North Korea intends to restart propaganda broadcasts across the border using loudspeakers, following increased tensions and fortification of its border. South Korea urged dialogue and warned of a proportional response if the broadcasts resume.
What happened
- North Korea announced plans to restart propaganda loudspeakers along its entire border with South Korea within days, according to Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
- This follows a history of loudspeaker use.
- South Korea’s defence ministry stated that if North Korea proceeds, a ‘proportional measure’ would be taken, but no decision had been made.
- Tensions have escalated due to a landmine blast south of the military demarcation line that injured three South Korean soldiers in September, which Pyongyang denied responsibility for.
- North Korea has been fortifying its border with mines, barbed wire, and anti-tank barriers since December 2023, and continues to accuse South Korea of provocations.
- South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence urged North Korea to discuss measures to ease tension at the border, while North Korea has cut off a military hotline with the South.
Original reporting
- Guardian: North Korea prepares to restart propaganda loudspeakers as ties sour with South
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00 - Al Jazeera: North Korea to resume propaganda broadcasts, South Korea urges dialogue
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00 - South China Morning Post: What Kim Yo-jong’s border warnings reveal about inter-Korean escalation risk
2026-10-22T04:35:54+00:00