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South Korea halted its loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea on June 11, a year after they resumed under the previous administration. / Source: Yonhap News

South Korea's military stopped its loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea on the afternoon of June 11, exactly one year after the broadcasts were resumed under the previous administration.

The decision came at the directive of President Lee Jae-myung. Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the presidential office, announced in a press briefing that the move was part of the government’s efforts to restore trust between the two Koreas and to lay the groundwork for peace on the peninsula.

"This is the fulfillment of a campaign promise made by President Lee during the election," Kang said, emphasizing that the loudspeaker broadcasts had caused significant distress to residents in border regions due to retaliatory noise from the North.

She added, "Given the absence of any major provocations from North Korea in recent weeks, the president made a preemptive decision to de-escalate tensions, viewing this as a step toward easing military confrontation and opening the door to renewed trust."

An official from the presidential office explained, "President Lee had consistently voiced his stance since the election that halting the broadcasts would be a meaningful gesture toward rebuilding inter-Korean trust and pursuing peace. This action was taken in accordance with that principle."

When asked whether there had been prior coordination with the North, the official confirmed, "There was no prior consultation."