In a significant move aimed at punishing North Korea for its recent provocative actions, South Korea has announced plans to nullify a rapprochement deal with its neighbor. The decision comes in response to North Korea’s series of balloon launches, which saw trash and manure dropped across the border into South Korea, sparking outrage and escalating tensions between the two nations.

Over the past few days, North Korea conducted a barrage of balloon launches, causing frustration and anger among South Koreans. The launches were a direct retaliation against previous South Korean civilian leafleting campaigns. Despite North Korea’s abrupt announcement that it would cease its balloon campaign, South Korea remained steadfast in its decision to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean agreement.

The suspension of the agreement, reached during a period of reconciliation between former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, will allow South Korea to resume military drills near the border and respond effectively to any provocations from North Korea. The proposal to suspend the deal will be presented for approval at the Cabinet Council on Tuesday.

Observers suggest that South Korea’s move to suspend the agreement is necessary to restart anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts, including K-pop songs and outside news, through loudspeakers along the border. These broadcasts have previously had a significant impact in North Korea, where access to foreign news is heavily restricted.

The 2018 agreement aimed to cease all hostile acts between the two Koreas, including propaganda broadcasts and leafleting campaigns. However, the accord did not explicitly prohibit civilian leafleting, allowing South Korean activists to continue flying balloons with anti-Pyongyang messages and other materials into North Korea.

North Korea’s recent balloon campaign, reportedly the first of its kind in seven years, is seen as a deliberate attempt to sow division within South Korea’s conservative government and assert its nuclear capabilities amid diplomatic challenges with the United States.

The decision to nullify the peace deal underscores the heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula and highlights the delicate balance of power between North and South Korea. As the situation continues to unfold, both countries are bracing for further escalations in the ongoing conflict.

Stay tuned for updates as South Korea navigates its response to North Korea’s provocative actions and works to maintain stability in the region.