▲ Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun speaks during a parliamentary audit session in Seoul on Oct. 8, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
▲ N. Korean garbage balloon Objects believed to be trash are spotted falling from a balloon sent by North Korea over Yongsan Ward in Seoul, where the presidential office is located, on Sept. 23, 2024. (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) N Korea-trash balloons

(2nd LD) N. Korea sends trash balloons toward S. Korea for 2nd straight day: JCS

(ATTN: ADDS defense minister's remarks in paras 5-7, additional photo)

SEOUL, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea floated some 100 trash balloons toward South Korea early Tuesday, the South's military said, in what marked the second straight day of such provocation.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it discovered some 60 trash bundles dropped around parts of Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province after the latest launch that began in the early hours of the morning.

It said the bundles consisted of household garbage, such as paper, plastic bags and plastic bottles, while no hazardous substances have been detected.

Since late May, the North has sent more than 5,000 balloons across the border toward South Korea. In its previous launch on Monday, the North sent some 120 balloons carrying trash.

"We will take stern responses not only at the point of origin (of the campaign) but also supporting and commanding forces if North Korea is deemed to cross the line regarding the trash balloon provocation," Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun told lawmakers during a parliamentary audit session.

Kim apologized to the people for growing inconveniences and anxiety over balloons from North Korea, and said the military authorities are considering what best responses are, while prioritizing people's safety.

He also asked the National Assembly to adopt a resolution condemning the trash balloon campaign.

South Korea's military has also vowed to take "stern" military measures should North Korea "cross the line" with its ongoing trash balloon campaign or inflict serious damage to the South Korean people.

In response to the balloon launches, the South's military has been blasting daily anti-North Korean propaganda broadcasts through loudspeakers along the border since July 21. It has refrained from directly shooting down the balloons, citing safety concerns.

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