The defense ministry has suspended the "Voice of Freedom" broadcasts as part of measures to ease military tensions between South Korea and North Korea," deputy spokesperson Lee Kyung-ho said on 1/9.

The "Voice of Freedom" program broadcasts news about North Korea, South Korea's economic development, and K-pop culture. The program has been used by South Korea as one of its psychological warfare measures against North Korea.

Loudspeakers near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in 2018. Photo: Reuters

Loudspeakers near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in 2018. Photo: Reuters

This is the first time South Korea has stopped the program in 15 years. In 2004, South Korea stopped broadcasting "Voice of Freedom" during a period of warmer inter-Korean relations. However, after North Korea attacked a South Korean warship in 2010, Seoul resumed the broadcasts.

Since taking office last June, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has sought a more amicable relationship with North Korea and has pledged to build "military trust" with Pyongyang.

However, North Korea has declared its disinterest in South Korea's efforts to improve bilateral relations and criticized President Lee's calls for denuclearization as "hypocritical." Pyongyang affirmed that it would "maintain its stance of not abandoning its nuclear weapons, prestige, and honor."

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters).