• North Korea starts dismantling propaganda loudspeakers aimed at South Korea.
• This move follows South Korea's similar actions to ease inter-Korean tensions.
• Current President Lee Jae Myung is focused on improving relations with Pyongyang.
• Both Koreas have a history of using loudspeakers for propaganda in tit-for-tat measures.
• Tensions could rise again with upcoming joint military exercises by South Korea and the U.S.

South Korea's military reported on Saturday that North Korea has begun to dismantle some of its propaganda loudspeakers situated along the border, indicating a potential easing of tensions between the two nations. This development occurs shortly after South Korea initiated similar actions under President Lee Jae Myung, who took office with a mandate to improve inter-Korean relations. Reports indicate that the dismantling is conducted in parts of the front-line area, although confirmation is pending regarding the extent of the removal across all border locations, according to aa and Reuters.

South Korea's actions to dismantle its own loudspeakers were in response to deteriorating relations that have characterized recent years. President Lee allowed the cessation of anti-North propaganda broadcasts soon after his election, a significant policy shift from his predecessor. The military acknowledged that earlier South Korean broadcasts included a variety of media, including music and news that aimed to undermine the North's regime, according to scmp and BBC.

Historically, both Koreas have employed loudspeaker propaganda as a psychological warfare tactic. Since June, when President Lee halted his country's broadcasts, North Korea similarly ceased its own, suggesting a potentially cooperative turn in inter-Korean relations. However, ongoing military exercises between South Korea and the United States may reignite tensions, with North Korea often interpreting these drills as acts of aggression and as pretexts for military demonstrations, according to CBS News and Reuters.