North Korea’s loudspeaker worries put health at risk for border residents

SEOUL – Destructive sounds from North Korean loudspeakers have been causing suffering for residents near the inter-Korean border for months, with some complaining that their health has been compromised, according to local authorities on November 21.

Data from a recent mental health assessment in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, showed that 28 percent of participants experienced severe mental health problems. The study, conducted by the city’s mental health center from August 8 to 14, examined 102 residents living near the border in Wolgot-myeon and Haseong-myeon.

The data shows two people were placed in the “high risk category” for mental health problems, while 27 were classified as “observation” because they suffer noticeable symptoms of stress and anxiety. The condition of the remaining 73 residents was within normal limits.

The noise mainly affects the elderly population, many of whom are between 70 and 80 years old. Noise causes symptoms such as sleep disturbances, increased stress and anxiety. According to the assessment, these symptoms have been present since the start of broadcasting in September last year, making their daily lives increasingly unbearable.

According to local reports, the broadcasts, consisting of unusual sounds such as sirens and clanking metal, are interrupted and started constantly at any time, with varying noise levels.

“The eerie sounds of scraping metal come from the north day and night, depriving us of sleep and making daily life difficult due to constant fear and anxiety,” said one resident.

“We plan to offer psychological counseling and psychiatric treatment to interested parties in order to improve the mental stability of residents,” said a Gimpo city spokesman.

“In addition, we propose measures to Gyeonggi Province and the central government, including supporting temporary housing and installing soundproof windows and doors.”

North Korean radio broadcasts also caused suffering in Ganghwa County, Incheon Province.

The Incheon government plans to install soundproofing structures in the Dangsan-ri area starting in early 2025.

The noises, first reported in late July and described as high-pitched, similar to scraping metal, are also accompanied by sirens and drums and continue around the clock.

Officials in Seoul believe this could be North Korea’s retaliation against South Korea resumes broadcasting via loudspeakers earlier that month. Additionally, this could serve as a tactic to prevent North Korean citizens from hearing South Korean propaganda.

The South Korean military has been broadcasting daily propaganda to North Korea since late July in response to North Korea’s launch of garbage balloons, which began in late May.

These broadcasts include K-pop songs and news critical of Kim Jong Un’s regime, such as reports of defections of North Korean diplomats and soldiers. KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK