Reports of 'Omul Balloons' Surge in the Capital Area... Found on Villa Rooftops and at Sea

As North Korea once again released filth balloons southward, reports related to them continued to pour in, especially around the Seoul metropolitan area on the 9th, prompting the military and fire authorities to respond.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched a total of about 330 filth balloons from the 8th until 10 a.m. on the 9th. Among these, around 80 filth balloons were confirmed to have actually fallen in the southern region.

Unlike the first and second rounds of filth balloon releases found across the country, most reports this time were concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area. In the northern Gyeonggi region, which is close to North Korea, 36 reports were received by 119 emergency services by the morning of the 9th.

Chinese packaging from a slime balloon
[Photo by Incheon Fire Headquarters]

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Most of the discovered balloons contained waste paper or pieces of plastic. Some also contained papers with Chinese writing. The Gyeonggi Northern Fire Headquarters found 18 filth balloons in areas such as Goyang and Paju and handed them over to the military authorities.

In Seoul, from the previous night until 8 a.m. on the 9th, 29 reports were received by the filth balloon emergency response team. Six reports each came from Nowon-gu and Dongdaemun-gu, five from Seongbuk-gu, three from Jung-gu, two each from Eunpyeong-gu and Jungnang-gu, and one each from Gangnam-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Jongno-gu.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated on Facebook the previous day, "North Korea is once again carrying out a despicable provocation by releasing filth balloons targeting our civilian areas," adding, "We will operate the emergency response team to ensure the safety of our citizens." He also said, "We will discuss fundamental countermeasures against North Korea’s repeated filth balloon provocations with the government and military."

Trash balloon from North Korea fallen on a villa in Incheon
[Photo by Incheon Fire Headquarters]

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On the same day, eight and three reports related to filth balloons were received in Incheon and southern Gyeonggi areas, respectively. At 4:19 a.m., a filth balloon fell on the coast of Jungsan-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, and at 5:32 a.m., a similar balloon was found on the rooftop of a villa in Hakik-dong, Michuhol-gu. Although no reports were made to the fire authorities, around 5:40 a.m., a filth balloon was also observed in the sea in front of Yeonan Pier, Jung-gu.

So far, there have been no reported casualties or significant property damage caused by the balloons from the South Korea-directed releases. The Joint Chiefs of Staff explained, "Analysis results showed no substances harmful to safety," but added, "Our military is closely cooperating with related agencies to take necessary measures."

At around 5:40 a.m. on the 9th, a balloon sent by North Korea towards South Korea fell into the sea in front of Yeonan Port, Jung-gu, Incheon. [Image source=Seven Star ship·Yonhap News]

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North Korea launched a large number of filth balloons toward South Korea twice from the 28th to 29th of last month and from the 1st to 2nd of this month, using the excuse of leaflets distributed by domestic civilian groups to North Korea. About 1,000 of these were identified in the South. Afterwards, North Korea announced a temporary suspension of filth balloon releases but threatened to release 100 times more toilet paper and filth if leaflets were sent again.

When domestic civilian groups attached leaflets to large balloons and sent them to North Korea between the 6th and 7th, North Korea resumed releasing filth balloons toward the South. The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "We are preparing for additional filth balloon releases by North Korea," and urged, "If you find fallen balloons, please do not touch them and report to the nearest military unit or police."

Debris of North Korean propaganda balloons found in a residential area in Galhyeon-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
[Photo by Joint Chiefs of Staff]

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