As tensions escalate on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea has erected roadblocks in front of the military checkpoint at the Unification Bridge in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, effectively prohibiting passage. According to South Korean defense officials speaking to the media outlet “Today Economy,” there have been no orders to elevate the “Jindo Dog Alert,” a tiered warning system that responds to North Korean military actions, with the first level being the most severe.

North Korea’s Kim Yo-jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong-un and first deputy chief of the Workers’ Party’s Organization and Guidance Department, criticized South Korea through the state media outlet KCNA on October 14. She accused the South Korean military of orchestrating drone incursions into Pyongyang, claiming it infringes upon the sovereignty of North Korea, a nuclear-armed state. She further characterized South Korea as a U.S. puppet and asserted that the United States should be held accountable as the “master.”

On October 11, North Korea accused South Korea of sending drones over its territory. Kim Yo-jong has issued threats and accusations against South Korea for three consecutive days starting October 12.

Media reports from South Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) on October 14 indicated that military sources reported the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) have ordered enhanced surveillance and readiness levels for their troops in response to North Korea’s activities. The JCS noted that they are closely monitoring North Korean military movements, and South Korean forces are on alert, prepared for any potential provocations, although they did not disclose specific actions being taken.

Given the heightened tensions, the mayor of Paju, where the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is located, expressed concern, revealing that residents are contemplating evacuation due to the area’s frontline position.

A spokesperson from South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, Koo Byung-sam, stated on October 14 that North Korea continues to create and exaggerate external crises and tensions to consolidate its fragile regime and exert control over its people. He referenced incidents from 2015, when North Korea planted “box mines” in the DMZ that injured South Korean soldiers, and the 2020 demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong, suggesting that this latest escalation is driven by similar motives.

Koo also noted that North Korea may be trying to generate internal discord in South Korea through provocations. However, he emphasized that threatening maneuvers would not achieve any of their aims.

In response to North Korea’s claims that South Korean drones repeatedly crossed into its airspace to distribute anti-North Korean leaflets on the 3rd, 9th, and 10th, Koo argued that there is no need to address each accusation individually. The South Korean government has not confirmed any recent drone incursions into North Korea.

Regarding any intentions to ask civilian groups in South Korea to cease sending leaflets into North Korea via balloons, Koo reiterated that the government’s position remains aligned with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, which protects citizens’ freedom of expression.

Additionally, a military source revealed on October 14 that surveillance has detected signs that the North Korean military may be preparing to demolish roads near the border junctions of the Gyeongui and Donghae lines.

On October 9, North Korea informed the United Nations Command that it intends to mobilize personnel and equipment for various operations, including demolition activities. The UN Command was established during the Korean War to ensure a state of ceasefire on the peninsula.