SOUTH KOREA took steps today to suspend a contentious military agreement with North Korea, as tensions between the rivals rise over the North’s recent launch of rubbish-carrying balloons.

Pyongyang didn’t immediately respond, but South Korea’s resumption of firing exercises or propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts will likely prompt the North to take similar or stronger steps along the tense border.

In the past week, North Korea has used balloons to drop manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth and waste paper on South Korea, prompting Seoul to vow “unbearable” retaliation. 

On Sunday, North Korea said it would halt its balloon campaign.

South Korea’s Cabinet Council and President Yoon Suk Yeol approved a proposal today to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean agreement on lowering front-line military tensions. 

It will take effect once Seoul formally notifies the North.

Cho Chang-rae, South Korea’s deputy defence minister for policy, told reporters that Seoul will use all available measures to protect the public from provocations.

“The responsibility for this situation lies solely with North Korea. If it launches additional provocations, our military will respond swiftly, strongly and to the end,” Mr Cho said.

The military agreement required the two countries to cease all hostile acts at border areas, such as live firing drills, aerial drills and psychological warfare.