Seoul: The South Korean military has commenced the removal of loudspeakers used for propaganda broadcasts along the border with North Korea, signaling an effort to ease tensions between the two nations, as confirmed by the defense ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this development follows the decision by President Lee Jae Myung to halt the loudspeaker broadcasts in front-line areas on June 11. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve relations with North Korea, which have been strained in recent years.

The defense ministry has expressed that this action is a tangible step towards reducing inter-Korean tensions while maintaining the military's readiness. The loudspeaker campaign had been resumed last year in response to North Korea's actions, including the launch of balloons carrying unwanted materials across the border, which had escalated since North Korea's nuclear tests in 2016.