North Korea sends trash to South Korea via balloons

North Korea, which announced that it launched a spy satellite in recent days, has this time sent trash balloons to South Korea's border cities.

The South Korean military warned the public on Wednesday not to touch the white balloons and the plastic bags attached to them, citing that they contain "filth and trash."

The balloons found in Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces are being analyzed by authorities.

USED SINCE 1950

North Korea and South Korea have been using balloons in propaganda campaigns since the Korean War in the 1950s.

North Korean Vice Minister of Defense Kim Kang Il said in a statement to state media on Sunday, "Heaps of trash and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of South Korea, and they will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them."

South Korean authorities asked the public late Tuesday for those living north of Seoul and in the border region to avoid outdoor activities.

The public was also asked to report to the nearest military base or police station if they see an "unidentified object."

Photos shared on social media show bags tied with rope to white translucent balloons, containing toilet paper, soil, and batteries.

Police and soldiers are also present in some of these photos.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that "some of the fallen balloons were carrying what appeared to be feces, based on their dark color and smell."

The South Korean military stated that this act is a "clear violation of international law" and condemned it.

The military said, "The safety of our people is being seriously threatened. North Korea is solely responsible for what happens due to the balloons. We sternly warn North Korea to immediately stop this inhumane and vulgar act."

WAS IT RETALIATION?

Earlier this month, a South Korea-based activist group claimed to have sent 20 balloons across the border carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets, K-pop music, and USB drives containing music videos.