North Korea sends over 200 balloons in South Korea carrying 'trash'

As of 1 p.m., some 200 balloons had crossed the border to fall in various locations across the country since Tuesday night, reaching as far as the southeastern province of South Gyeongsang, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) as quoted by Yonhap news agency.

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead para; UPDATES throughout with latest details)
By Chae Yun-hwan

SEOUL, May 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has launched more than 200 balloons carrying trash and waste across the inter-Korean border, Seoul's military said Wednesday, after the North warned of "tit-for-tat action" against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by the South's activists.

As of 1 p.m., some 200 balloons had crossed the border to fall in various locations across the country since Tuesday night, reaching as far as the southeastern province of South Gyeongsang, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

It marked the largest amount of North Korean balloons sent into the South, compared with previous instances between 2016 and 2018, the JCS said, adding that it expects the figure to rise.

According to reports, the trash included plastic bottles, batteries, shoe parts and even manure.

Military personnel are collecting the trash for detailed analysis.

"These acts by North Korea clearly violate international law and seriously threaten our people's safety," the JCS told Yonhap. "(We) sternly warn North Korea to immediately stop its inhumane and vulgar act."

Balloons were reportedly found in eight to nine provinces in the South Korea.

Both the warring neighbours have reportedly used balloons as their propaganda tactics.

Earlier this month, a South Korea-based activist group claimed it sent 20 balloons which were carrying anti-North Korea leaflets and USB sticks containing Korean pop music and music videos across the border.

In 2020, Seoul's Parliament had passed a law to criminalise launch of anti-Pyongyang leaflets.