 "Explained: Why North Korea resorted to ‘poo warfare’ against the South")
North Korea’s recent act of sending balloons filled with trash and excrement into South Korea has drawn international attention and condemnation. This latest episode of “poo warfare” is a reminder of the hostility and high tensions that mark the Korean Peninsula.
Understanding this incident requires delving into the broader context of relations between South Korea and North Korea, recent provocations, and the interplay of propaganda and military posturing by Pyongyang.
The incident: trash, faeces-filled balloons
On Wednesday, South Korea accused North Korea of sending over 150 balloons across their heavily fortified border. The balloons sent by North Korea were primarily white and translucent, made of lightweight plastic that allows them to stay airborne for extended periods.
Photographs released by the South Korean military showed inflated balloons with plastic bags attached, some containing waste materials explicitly labelled “excrement.”
Some of the contents identified included:
Trash and rubbish: General waste such as paper, plastic bottles, and food wrappers. This type of waste was intended to create a mess and inconvenience for those tasked with cleanup.
Excrement: Bags explicitly labelled “excrement” contained human faeces. This posed a significant health risk but also served as a psychological tactic to intimidate the South Korean population.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHazardous materials: Some balloons were reported to contain dark soil and batteries, which could pose chemical hazards. The presence of these materials raised concerns about potential biohazards and chemical contamination.
Propaganda leaflets: Similar to previous propaganda campaigns, some balloons carried leaflets denouncing the South Korean government and promoting North Korean ideology. These leaflets were designed to undermine the South Korean government’s credibility and spread fear among the population.
Deployment and detection
The balloons were released in a coordinated manner, allowing them to drift across the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. The deployment of the balloons was likely timed to coincide with favorable wind conditions, ensuring that they would reach populated areas in South Korea.
Late on Tuesday, residents living north of the South’s capital, Seoul, and in the border region received text messages from their provincial authorities, asking them to “refrain from outdoor activities” and to report any “unidentified objects” to the nearest military base or police station.
By Wednesday, more than 150 balloons had been detected, with some landing on the ground while others remained airborne, according to BBC. The South Korean military’s detection systems and surveillance equipment played a key role in identifying and tracking these balloons as they crossed the border.
South Korea’s response
South Korea’s military responded by deploying its explosives ordnance unit and a chemical and biological warfare response team to inspect and collect the objects. Residents were warned to avoid contact with the balloons and report any sightings to authorities.
This act was condemned as base and dangerous. South Korea’s military condemned the act, stating that it “seriously threatens the safety of our people.” The military’s response included a stern warning to North Korea to cease its “inhumane and crass action.”
The reason behind North Korea’s ‘poo warfare’
South Korean activists, often led by North Korean defectors, have regularly launched balloons carrying leaflets critical of Pyongyang, information about the democratic South, and even USB sticks with K-pop music videos. These activities have frequently stirred tensions, with North Korea reacting angrily and sometimes attempting to shoot down the balloons.
The use of balloons for propaganda purposes has been a contentious issue in South Korean politics. In December 2020, South Korea’s parliament passed a law criminalising the launch of anti-Pyongyang leaflets. The law aimed to prevent actions that could provoke North Korea and endanger residents near the border. However, the legislation faced criticism for potentially violating freedom of speech and human rights.
In a significant ruling, South Korea’s top court later declared the ban unconstitutional, in light of the protection of freedom of speech. This decision has allowed activists to resume their balloon launches, much to North Korea’s displeasure.
In response to these provocations, North Korea has occasionally launched its own balloons filled with propaganda leaflets and rubbish. For instance, in 2016, North Korea sent balloons carrying toilet paper, cigarette butts, and other waste into the South, which were described by Seoul police as “hazardous biochemical substances.”
North Korea’s vice defence minister recently issued a statement vowing to retaliate against the “frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish” by South Korean activists. This threat materialised in the form of the “poo warfare” balloons, a direct response to the activities of South Korean activists.
Broader tensions
The recent balloon incident must also be seen as part of a broader pattern of provocations and high-stakes posturing between North and South Korea. In recent months, North Korea has ramped up its missile tests and military activities, raising alarms in the international community. These actions are seen as attempts to assert power and gain leverage in diplomatic negotiations.
In addition to the missile tests, North Korea has launched spy satellites and conducted military drills near the border, further heightening tensions. The South, in turn, has conducted its own military exercises and enhanced its defence capabilities, including deploying advanced missile defence systems.
A grey zone tactic
Peter Ward, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, told Reuters that North Korea’s use of balloons is a “grey zone” tactic. These tactics are less overtly aggressive than direct military action but still disruptive and provocative. They are designed to provoke and intimidate without escalating to full-blown conflict, making them difficult to counter effectively.
Such tactics also serve a propaganda purpose. By sending balloons filled with filth, North Korea aims to demonstrate its disdain for South Korea and project an image of defiance. This form of psychological warfare seeks to undermine morale and create a sense of vulnerability among South Korean citizens.
With inputs from agencies
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