North Korea halts loudspeaker broadcasts following South's lead

North Korea has apparently ceased its loudspeaker broadcasts to the South, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported Thursday morning, a day after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered a halt to broadcasts from the South.

 
"There were no regions that heard North Korea's loudspeakers to the South," the JCS said Thursday.

"We are keeping a close eye on North Korea's related actions."

 
On Wednesday at 2 p.m., President Lee Jae-myung gave orders to stop the speakers as part of his efforts to alleviate tensions with the North.

 
All loudspeaker broadcasts, which had been active since July 21 of last year, were immediately halted. South Korea had operated 24 stationary speakers in the western, central and eastern fronts and 16 mobile speakers. The speakers remain in place but have ceased operation.

 
Newly elected President Lee pledged during his campaign to stop the broadcasts to the North in a bid to soften the relationship with the country. His promise was fulfilled a week after he was inaugurated on June 4.

The last broadcast heard from North Korea was from the western front "late last night," according to military officials on Thursday. The North operated different speakers at different times, the official said.

Some regions reported that some broadcasts "abruptly stopped" straight after President Lee's decree and started playing "peaceful songs" instead of broadcasts, according to officials.

Source : https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-12/national/northKorea/North-Korea-halts-loudspeaker-broadcasts-following-Souths-lead/2328342

Comprehension

What did the Joint Chiefs of Staff report on Thursday?
When did President Lee order South Korea to stop using its loudspeakers?
How many stationary and mobile speakers did South Korea operate?
Why did President Lee stop the broadcasts?
When did President Lee Jae-myung become president?
What was the last broadcast heard from North Korea?
What unusual change happened after South Korea stopped its broadcasts?
What is the South Korean military doing after the broadcasts stopped?

Discussion

Why do countries use loudspeakers at borders?
Do you think loudspeaker broadcasts are helpful or harmful? Why?
How can stopping loudspeaker broadcasts reduce tensions?
What are other peaceful ways countries can communicate?
Have you ever made a promise like President Lee? Did you keep it?
What do you think “peaceful songs” from North Korea might mean?
Why do you think North Korea stopped its broadcasts too?
What is important when a new president takes office?
How can music be used to create peace?
If you were president, what would you do to improve relationships with other countries?

Vocabulary

Loudspeaker – A device used to make sounds louder so many people can hear.
Broadcast – A public message sent over radio, TV, or speakers.
Cease – To stop or bring to an end.
Decree – An official order made by someone in authority.
Tensions – Stress or strain between countries or people, especially before conflict.
Stationary – Not moving; fixed in one place.
Mobile – Able to move or be moved.
Inaugurated – Officially began a role, like a new president.
Pledge – A serious promise or commitment.
Peaceful – Calm and without conflict or fighting.