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Joint Chiefs say North Korean loudspeaker operation remains unconfirmed

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had not confirmed that North Korea's loudspeakers directed at the South were operating.

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An array of loudspeakers inside a green structure among trees
An array of loudspeakers and a green structure among trees. The photograph alone does not establish whether the loudspeakers are operating.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had not confirmed the operation of North Korea's loudspeakers directed at the South. The military's stated position was that it had not confirmed that North Korean loudspeaker broadcasts were underway.

On the 21st, Kim Yo Jong announced that the loudspeakers would be put into an operational state during October.

Residents in the border area reported briefly hearing songs and noise. These were residents' accounts of hearing sounds, rather than confirmation that the sounds came from North Korean loudspeakers.

The National Intelligence Service said it had determined that the report was mistaken.

There is also a precedent for military action against the South announced by Kim Yo Jong being put on hold. In 2020, Kim Yo Jong announced such action, but General Secretary Kim Jong Un abruptly put the plan on hold.

A photograph also emerged that appeared to show people drinking coffee at the Starbucks at Aegibong in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, while looking at North Korean soldiers at very close range. The view depicted in the photograph cannot actually be seen there.

Identifying details on the North Korean side requires zooming in with filming equipment.