---
title: "North Korea appears to have stopped loudspeakers blasting noise, Seoul says"
description: "SEOUL, June 12 (Reuters) - North Korea appears to have stopped loudspeakers near the border targeting South Korea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-12-north-korea-appears-to-have-stopped-loudspeakers-blasting-noise-seoul-says/"
published: "2025-06-12T04:51:57"
updated: "2025-06-12T04:51:58"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 112
---

# North Korea appears to have stopped loudspeakers blasting noise, Seoul says

> SEOUL, June 12 (Reuters) - North Korea appears to have stopped loudspeakers near the border targeting South Korea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday.

By Reuters · Published 12 June 2025, 06:51 SAST · Updated 12 June 2025, 06:51 SAST

## Key points
- In a melodious twist of fate, South Korea hits the mute button on its border loudspeakers, opting for a diplomatic serenade over K-pop blasts, much to the relief of locals who preferred peace over noise pollution.
- North Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts were absent on Thursday, with South Korea's military closely monitoring the situation.
- Seoul halted its own loudspeaker propaganda near the border, which had resumed last year amid rising tensions.
- Newly inaugurated President Lee Jae-myung aims to reduce hostilities and promote dialogue with the North.
- Residents near the border have voiced strong opposition to the loudspeaker broadcasts, citing severe noise disturbances.

## Content

The JCS said that North Korean loudspeaker broadcasts were not heard on Thursday, and the South Korean military was monitoring Pyongyang's activities.

Seoul suspended its own loudspeaker broadcasts near the border targeting North Korea on Wednesday, after having resumed propaganda and K-pop blasts last year during a time of growing tension with its neighbour.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who took office this month vowing to resume dialogue with the North, ordered the move to ease tension, a presidential spokesperson said.

Those living near the heavily fortified border have opposed the loudspeaker broadcasts, which they blame for severe noise nuisance.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Kim Coghill and Sonali Paul)