Pyongyang has been launching garbage-laden inflatables in response to ones carrying propaganda from the South
South Korean authorities have confirmed that a balloon carrying trash landed in the parking lot of the Seoul government complex on Friday.
The inflatable was discovered near the main entrance of the compound. The incident prompted a significant emergency response, with firefighters and police sealing off the area.
The balloon was inspected by the military for hazardous materials and safely removed from the location.
According to Yonhap news agency, the balloon contained various household waste, including a piece of green plastic displaying an address in Pyongyang.
The inflatable is believed to be part of the latest batch of trash balloons sent by Pyongyang into South Korea on Wednesday. The batch mainly consisted of paper and plastic waste, with no hazardous materials found.
North Korea has repeatedly sent over inflatables carrying assorted trash, including fecal matter, in response to balloons laden with propaganda leaflets coming from the South.
Friday’s incident marks the second time the Seoul government complex has been targeted by such a balloon. Back in May, early in the trash balloon campaign, a foul inflatable was retrieved from the roof of the complex. In June, another one was discovered on the premises of South Korea’s presidential office.