Why is North Korea sending balloons with trash to South Korea?

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North Korea is sending balloons with trash to South Korea as retaliation for a propaganda campaign by defectors and activists in the South.

Seoul has warned the public to avoid and report more balloons being sent from North Korea, which are carrying "filth" across the border. North Korea had previously sent hundreds of balloons containing trash and excrement, which they described as "gifts of sincerity," and stated their intention to send more. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik characterized this action as "unimaginably petty and low-grade behaviour."
Retaliatory Action for Propaganda Campaign

North Korea claims these balloon launches are a direct response to a continuous propaganda campaign initiated by North Korean defectors and activists residing in South Korea. These individuals regularly send their own balloons across the border.
Contents of Defector-Sent Balloons

The balloons sent by defectors and activists from South Korea typically contain anti-Pyongyang leaflets, essential supplies such as food and medicine, money, and digital storage devices. These USB sticks are often loaded with popular South Korean cultural content, including K-pop music videos and dramas, aimed at reaching North Korean citizens.
Public Safety Advisory and Military Handling

In response to the influx of these balloons, the city of Seoul issued a public message urging residents to refrain from touching any balloons sighted in the sky near the capital. The military is currently managing the situation, and citizens are instructed to report any findings to the military or police authorities. Similar public advisories have been requested from other regional governments.

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Why is North Korea sending balloons with trash to South Korea?

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