Ganghwa Island, located near South Korea's border with North Korea, is facing a nightly barrage of disturbing sounds, including gunshots, screams, and eerie laughter, as part of a new psychological warfare campaign by the North. Residents, who previously enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature, now find themselves kept awake by the unsettling noise, which begins at 11 PM every night.
This campaign, which started in July, includes broadcasts from loudspeakers positioned along the border, just a couple of kilometers from North Korea. The broadcasts feature distressing sound effects such as cries of people dying in battle, gunfire, and bomb explosions, along with chilling music that has been described as reminiscent of low-budget horror films.
The goal of these broadcasts appears to be psychological torment rather than mere propaganda, with experts suggesting that it could be a form of "noise torture" aimed at unsettling residents without causing physical harm. Prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and other health issues, as reported by locals. Many residents, including An Mi-hee, a mother of two, have struggled with sleep disorders and physical symptoms like headaches and facial tremors.
The situation has grown so dire that some residents, including An, have traveled to Seoul to plead for action from lawmakers. They express their deep concerns about the unpredictability of the situation, fearing that the noise could continue indefinitely or worsen.
This disturbing campaign is seen as part of the broader escalation of tensions between the two Koreas, with North Korea ramping up missile tests and using psychological tactics to target the South. Experts believe that these sound broadcasts are less about masking South Korean broadcasts and more about inflicting pain and distress on those living in the border regions. The South Korean government has come under criticism for not doing enough to protect vulnerable civilians living in such a tense environment.
