Why did South Korea suspend the 2018 military deal?

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South Korea Suspends 2018 Military Deal Due to North Korean Provocations

South Korea has fully suspended the 2018 tension-reducing military agreement with North Korea, a decision approved by President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday. This action was taken in direct response to North Korea's recent barrage of trash-carrying balloons sent across the border last week. Seoul's security officials indicated that adhering to the terms of the deal was impeding the nation's ability to effectively counter Pyongyang's provocations.
Resumption of Border Activities Permitted

The suspension of the 2018 military pact immediately allows South Korea to reinstate a range of activities along the border that were previously restricted. This includes the resumption of live fire drills, which are crucial for military readiness and training. Furthermore, South Korea can now re-initiate loudspeaker propaganda campaigns directed towards North Korea. These broadcasts, considered a form of psychological warfare, involve transmitting content ranging from popular K-pop music to anti-regime messages into areas near the demilitarised zone.
North Korea's Trash Balloon Campaign

The immediate trigger for South Korea's decision was North Korea's launch of nearly 1,000 balloons carrying various forms of garbage, including cigarette butts and manure, across the border. Pyongyang stated that this action was a retaliatory measure against similar "missives" sent northwards by South Korean activists. This exchange highlights a cycle of escalating tensions and tit-for-tat responses between the two nations.
Activist Balloon Launches Sparked Retaliation

The South Korean activists' actions, which North Korea cited as justification for its balloon campaign, involved sending approximately 2,000 USB flash drives via balloons on May 10. These drives reportedly contained music by popular South Korean singer Lim Young-woong, other K-pop songs, and K-drama series. North Korea, which strictly controls its citizens' access to external information, has enacted severe laws, including potential life imprisonment or the death penalty, for possessing or distributing such media content.

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Why did South Korea suspend the 2018 military deal?

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