Will the Nightmare of Ghostly Sounds Return? Northern Gyeonggi on Edge as North Korea Signals Broadcasts Aimed at the South

【Financial News, Paju and Gimpo = Reporter Kim Kyung-soo】 Tensions are mounting in border areas of northern Gyeonggi Province as North Korea signals it may resume broadcasts aimed at South Korea. With anxiety growing among residents who suffered severe noise pollution from past loudspeaker broadcasts, Paju and Gimpo are moving to draw up measures to prevent harm and protect residents.
According to Paju and Gimpo on the 24th, the two local governments are stepping up measures to prevent noise-related harm and protect residents, focusing on border areas, in preparation for the possibility that North Korea will resume broadcasts aimed at South Korea.
The measures come as anxiety has grown among border-area residents since North Korea signaled on the 22nd that it would resume broadcasts aimed at South Korea. If the broadcasts actually resume, noise broadcasts aimed at the South will start again after about 1 year and 4 months.
Residents, who previously suffered disrupted sleep and psychological stress from bizarre sounds broadcast by North Korea, including ghostly noises and animal cries, are voicing concern that the harm they experienced then could recur.
Paju plans to measure noise and closely inspect conditions on the ground if broadcasts actually resume, focusing on areas within range of the loudspeakers aimed at South Korea.
The city plans to quickly determine whether broadcasts are being transmitted and assess their level of noise impact. It will analyze residents' views, trends in complaints and the extent of any harm, and, if damage is confirmed, work with relevant agencies to devise countermeasures. It also plans to ask the government to come up with a fundamental solution.
Paju Mayor Son Bae-chan said, "The resumption of noise broadcasts aimed at South Korea is a serious matter that will cause not only direct noise exposure for residents in border areas, but also direct and indirect harm to everyday life, the local economy and public safety throughout Paju City." He added, "We will make residents' safety and protection of their right to live in peace our top priorities and work with relevant agencies to devise effective countermeasures."
Gimpo City has also begun preparations to prevent harm to residents and help them maintain stable daily lives. It is maintaining close coordination with relevant agencies, including military units and police stations, monitoring developments regarding a possible resumption of North Korean broadcasts and preparing to quickly assess the damage if broadcasts are actually transmitted.
The city also plans to keep its resident communication network—working through village heads and administrative welfare centers—in operation at all times to assess noise levels, the extent of the affected area and issues inconveniencing residents. It will link its response to damage to the residential environment with existing support programs for residents in areas affected by noise broadcasts aimed at South Korea, and is also considering psychological support for residents in case the broadcasts continue for an extended period.
Gimpo Mayor Lee Gi-hyeong said, "Citizens should not have their everyday peace threatened or be left feeling anxious simply because they live in a border area." He added, "We will work closely with relevant agencies to prepare thoroughly for the situation and do our utmost to put effective support measures in place to minimize the inconvenience residents face because of the noise."
Meanwhile, on the 21st of last month, a landmine planted by North Korea south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) exploded in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Western Front, injuring three South Korean soldiers conducting a search operation.
The government demanded an apology and responsible action from North Korea, and made a series of proposals for talks to restore inter-Korean dialogue and resolve differences over the location of the MDL.
However, in a series of statements issued in the name of Kim Yo Jong, a department director of the Workers' Party of Korea, North Korea claimed the mine explosion was a "staged act" by the South and denied responsibility. It has also refused to respond to the South Korean government's proposals for dialogue.
With differences between the two Koreas remaining unresolved and the possibility of a resumption of broadcasts aimed at South Korea also being raised, anxiety among residents in border areas is expected to persist for the time being.
[email protected] Kim Kyung-soo Reporter