South Korea’s government has approved the suspension of a controversial military agreement with North Korea on June 4, in order to enable stronger responses to North Korean provocations.
Tensions between the two Koreas have escalated recently, with North Korea launching balloons carrying trash across the border in response to South Korean leafletting campaigns.
The South Korean Cabinet Council has passed a proposal to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean agreement aimed at reducing frontline military tensions. The proposal will come into effect once signed by President Yoon Suk Yeol, expected later on June 4, as per government officials.
During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo highlighted that the 2018 agreement has compromised South Korean military readiness in the face of ongoing North Korean provocations, which pose significant threats to the South Korean population.
Mr. Duck-soo pointed out North Korea’s balloon campaign, tests of nuclear-capable weapons targeting South Korea, and alleged interference with GPS navigation signals in the South.
The military agreement, established during a period of brief reconciliation between the Koreas, mandates both countries to cease hostile actions at their border areas, including live firing drills, aerial exercises, and psychological warfare.
Critics in South Korea, particularly conservatives, have criticized the agreement for potentially weakening South Korea’s military preparedness while North Korea’s nuclear capabilities remain unaffected.
In response to North Korea’s recent balloon drops, South Korea has vowed to take “unbearable” retaliatory measures. North Korea announced on June 2 that it would cease its balloon campaign.
