Military: "Possibility of North Korea releasing contaminated balloons riding the north wind tomorrow"

Our military authorities believe that North Korea may once again release filth balloons toward the South depending on weather conditions and have begun preparations.

A Joint Chiefs of Staff official stated on the 31st, "A north wind is forecast from June 1, so filth balloons toward the South are expected," adding, "We are closely monitoring North Korean military movements, and if the filth balloons are airborne, we will notify the media." He continued, "We will prioritize public safety measures in cooperation with related agencies," and added, "Please be cautious of falling objects if the balloons are airborne, and if you find a balloon, do not touch it and report it."

On the morning of the 29th, an object presumed to be debris from a balloon used for North Korean leaflets targeting South Korea was placed at Surak Middle School in Nowon-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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The military anticipates the possibility of additional filth balloon releases based on wind direction forecasts and North Korea's threats and actions. However, they explained that no preparations for balloon launches by North Korea have been detected so far.

So far, the military has chosen to recover the balloons after they fall rather than shoot them down or intercept them. A Joint Chiefs of Staff official said, "Until now, the contents have all been trash, and it is difficult to determine whether they are harmful while airborne," adding, "There are limitations to intercepting them." He explained, "Swift recovery after they fall is currently the safest and most efficient method."

The official also emphasized, "Filth balloons are very despicable acts, so there is a difference in level when responding in kind," and added, "We are reviewing necessary measures and have the capability and readiness to take stronger actions."

North Korea announced on the 26th that it would respond to the leaflet distribution by domestic anti-North Korea groups by releasing balloons toward the South, and from the night of the 28th, it sent about 260 balloons carrying filth southward.

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