N. Korea's threat to resume loudspeaker broadcasts first of its kind since 2000s, Defense Ministry says

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said Tuesday that North Korea's threat to resume loudspeaker broadcasts directed at the South — issued in response to South Korean warning shots fired at North Korean troops who crossed the Military Demarcation Line — marks "the first time since the 2000s that North Korea has announced in advance that it would initiate such broadcasts." The Defense Ministry added that it is considering its own loudspeaker operations against the North as a possible "proportionate response."

A Defense Ministry official said Tuesday, in connection with North Korea's mention of resuming its loudspeaker broadcasts, that Seoul "will not rule out any means."

"If North Korea goes ahead with it, wouldn't a proportionate response be necessary?" the official said. "Regardless of the effect it has on North Korea, we can make a different judgment about it as a response tool on our end — that is what we mean by not ruling out any means."

A Joint Chiefs of Staff official, speaking on operations to strengthen control over the Demilitarized Zone, said that "operational control means the ability to shape favorable conditions for mission success and to lead operations in the direction our forces intend." The official added that "various operational enhancements have been carried out in the past and will continue going forward."

However, the official declined to specify the particular means or timing involved, saying, "Operations involve an adversary — we cannot show our hand."

Measures understood to be part of the DMZ control-strengthening operations include tactical steps such as opening new patrol routes inside the DMZ and securing equipment movement corridors, as well as capability reinforcements to minimize surveillance gaps — among them the installation of multipurpose Alert towers and retractable art-pole guard posts at front-line outposts.

A JCS official noted that "attention should be paid to the fact that North Korea is keeping count of warning broadcasts and warning shots," and interpreted North Korea's references to threats against its personnel as a sign that "the military's firm responses in accordance with operational procedures appear to have had an effect."