Seoul: North Korea has once again sent balloons carrying trash toward South Korea, marking the first such occurrence in three weeks, according to the military in South Korea. This action resumed North Korea's balloon campaign, which had been on pause since late May. According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea released approximately 40 balloons in the early hours of Monday. About half of these balloons landed in the Seoul metropolitan area and Gyeonggi Province, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The contents of the balloons included leaflets critical of South Korea, but no hazardous materials were found. Since late May, over 7,000 balloons filled with trash have been sent across the border by North Korea. This move is seen as retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by South Korean activists. The balloon launch on Monday was the 31st of its kind. The JCS has condemned this activity, claiming North Korea is "crossing the line" and warning that the responsibility for these actions lies s olely with the North. JCS deputy spokesperson Col. Nam Gi-su issued a statement urging North Korea not to further test the patience of the South Korean military. Meanwhile, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, alleged that South Korean leaflets had breached the border the previous day and warned of severe repercussions for Seoul. Furthermore, North Korea has accused South Korea of sending drones carrying anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang three times in October. The North has threatened to respond with force if such incidents occur again.