South Korea to Suspend Military Agreement with North Korea Over Trash Balloons Provocation

South Korea has announced its decision to suspend the 2018 military agreement with North Korea following a series of provocative acts involving balloons carrying trash being sent over the border.

The National Security Council of South Korea revealed on Monday that a plan to fully suspend the deal will be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday for approval. This key military agreement, which stemmed from significant diplomatic efforts during Moon Jae-in’s presidency, was partially frozen last year and now faces a complete suspension.

Citing concerns over the military readiness posture, the council stated that continued compliance with the agreement would pose significant challenges. Suspending the pact would enable South Korea to conduct training near the military border and take immediate actions if needed.

Last year, the agreement was already partially suspended after North Korea . Subsequently, Pyongyang also declared its withdrawal from the accord.

The escalation of tensions further manifested through North Korea’s deployment of balloons carrying trash, including animal feces, labeled as ‘gifts of sincerity,’ across the border. Kim Yo Jong, a prominent figure representing Pyongyang and the sister of Kim Jong Un, defended the actions as a form of freedom of expression.

While North Korea claimed the balloon campaign as a response to anti-Pyongyang leaflets, cash, and other items sent from activists in South Korea, the South viewed it as a provocation. The recent developments have prompted discussions within the National Security Council on potential responses, including the resumption of loudspeaker propaganda campaigns targeting Kim Jong Un.

In response to the escalating tensions, South Korea is considering taking ‘unendurable’ measures against North Korea, as the two nations navigate renewed challenges in their bilateral relations.