SEOUL, South Korea – Tensions between South Korea and North Korea have escalated following North Korea’s recent act of launching balloons carrying trash towards South Korea. In response, South Korea has made the decision to fully suspend a military agreement with North Korea in order to resume front-line military activities.

The move to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean agreement on lowering front-line military tensions was approved by South Korea’s Cabinet Council and President Yoon Suk Yeol. This suspension took effect immediately on Tuesday, as a response to the rising tensions between the two neighboring countries.

North Korea has been using balloons in the past week to drop various items such as manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth, and waste paper on South Korean territory. In retaliation, South Korea has promised to respond with “unbearable” retaliation if such provocations continue. North Korea, on the other hand, announced that it would halt its balloon campaign after South Korea’s firm response.

During a press conference, Cho Chang-rae, South Korea’s deputy defense minister for policy, emphasized that South Korea will utilize all necessary measures to protect its citizens from any further provocations from North Korea. He made it clear that the responsibility for the current situation lies solely with North Korea, and any additional provocations will be met with swift and strong repercussions.

The 2018 military agreement, which aimed to cease all hostile acts at border areas between the two Koreas, is now fully suspended. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo highlighted how this agreement has weakened South Korea’s military readiness, especially in the face of North Korea’s continued provocations and threats to the safety of the public. This decision allows South Korea to conduct front-line military drills once again.

The suspension of the 2018 deal opens the door for South Korea to potentially restart front-line propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts, a tactic that has been effective in disturbing North Korea’s controlled environment. With tensions rising and North Korea already stating its refusal to abide by the 2018 agreement, the situation between the two Koreas remains highly volatile.