(2nd LD) N. Korea launches around 20 leaflet-carrying balloons toward S. Korea

▲ Leaflets attached to balloons launched by North Korea are scattered near the presidential compound in Seoul on Oct. 24, 2024. (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) N Korea-trash balloons

(2nd LD) N. Korea launches around 20 leaflet-carrying balloons toward S. Korea

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS South Korean military's response in paras 4-5, photo)

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- North Korea launched about 20 balloons carrying propaganda leaflets criticizing President Yoon Suk Yeol toward South Korea early Thursday, the South's military said, in the resumption of its balloon campaign after a five-day hiatus.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it discovered more than 10 trash bundles carrying the leaflets in the broader Seoul area after the latest launch. No hazardous substances had been detected after an analysis.

The leaflets, which contained criticism of Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee, were also found in the presidential compound.

The South's military urged the North to immediately halt such actions.

"North Korea should immediately cease its action of sending leaflets of such coarse level," the JCS said in a statement. "We once again warn that all responsibility lies with the North."

The latest launch comes after Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of the North's leader, claimed Tuesday the North discovered and removed the previous day "political motivational rubbish" sent by the South.

Since late May, the North has launched thousands of balloons carrying trash in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent across the border by activists in the South. It last launched such balloons on Saturday.

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

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