On both sides of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, loudspeakers blasting news, music, weather reports, wailing sounds, or anti-DPRK messaging have formed a regular part of life along one of the world’s most militarised borders. Yet the South Korean government’s decision to remove these loudspeakers, which commenced on Monday, sets a worrying precedent for the future. Not only have similar gestures previously failed to ameliorate North Korea’s bad behaviour, but at a time when Pyongyang shows no desire to improve its relations with Seoul and Washington, South Korea should not be naïve in thinking that these actions will be reciprocated in kind.

North Korea has used these broadcasts as part of its strategy of brinkmanship

This week’s actions by the South Korean go

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