2024 North Korean Trash Balloon Incident
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The 2024 North Korean Trash Balloon Incident is a series of balloon launches by North Korea into South Korea, starting on May 28, 2024. These balloons, carrying various forms of waste, were sent in response to anti-regime activists in South Korea, who reportedly launched balloons carrying leaflets, USB drives with K-pop videos and dramas, and food items into North Korean territory.
By October 2024, more than 5,000 garbage-filled balloons had landed across South Korea's border areas.
Initially, the balloons were believed to contain propaganda leaflets. However, further investigation revealed that balloons were filled with trash, including household waste, organic waste like fertilizer, batteries, cigarette butts, and even soil with parasites. Some also included Hello Kitty prints and worn apparel with release mechanisms designed to scatter debris mid-flight.[1]
Several trash-filled balloons have landed near the Seoul metropolitan area, with some remaining intact while others scattered debris across the ground, prompting public safety and health concerns, particularly regarding parasites. South Korean citizens have been advised not to touch the balloons due to the risk of contamination and to report any sightings to local authorities.[2]
South Korea's Response
[edit]In response, South Korea's military issued warnings, stating that "stern military measures" would be taken if the balloon launches "cross the line" or endanger South Korean residents.[3] However, the military refrained from shooting down the balloons, citing safety concerns over the spread of waste and potential environmental hazards from the debris.[4]
On July 21, 2024, South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), transmitting anti-regime messages toward North Korean troops and border communities.
References
[edit]- ^ Kiyada, Sudev; Huang, Han; Arranz, Adolfo; Scarr, Simon (2024-08-23). "North Korea's trash balloons explained". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "North Korea: North Korea resumes sending". ProQuest.
- ^ Yonhap (2024-10-08). "N. Korea sends trash balloons toward S. Korea for 2nd straight day: JCS". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "North Korea drops balloons carrying trash in South". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-10-29.