SEOUL, South Korea — Waste and propaganda are raining down across the Korean peninsula.

It’s not the cross-border barrage South Koreans have been fearing, but the country's military said Wednesday that its nuclear-armed neighbor had launched more than 200 balloons across the border overnight carrying trash, bottles, old batteries, leaflets, fertilizer, and other waste.

The balloons were found primarily in the border provinces of Gyeonggi and Gangwon, but were also seen hundreds of miles south in South Gyeongsang.

A balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash and excrement, is seen over a rice field at Cheorwon, South Korea, on May 29, 2024. Yonhap News Agency via Reuters

A balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash and excrement, is seen over a rice field at Cheorwon, South Korea, on May 29, 2024. Yonhap News Agency via Reuters

South Korea sent out a government emergency disaster alert urging citizens to refrain from touching the objects and to report any more incidents to the military.

Response teams were dispatched to identify what exactly was in the balloons, which confirmed the inclusion of fertilizers. South Korea's defense ministry told NBC News that no human waste was found, but said that North Korea did send human waste via balloon in 2016.

North Korea often uses human feces as fertilizer.

Photographs released by the South Korean military showed inflated balloons anchored with plastic bags full of garbage.

Other images appeared to show trash scattered around collapsed balloons, with the word “excrement” written on a bag in one photograph.

According to the Yonhap news agency, this is the largest number of balloons from North Korea since similar incidents between 2016 and 2018.

South Korea's defense ministry told NBC News that North Korea had also disrupted GPS frequencies in the de facto sea border between the two countries.

“These acts by North Korea violate international law and threaten our people’s safety,” said South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, urging North Korea to cease its “inhumane and vulgar behaviors” immediately.

The barrage follows a warning from North Korea’s vice defense minister about a “tit-for-tat action” after anti-Pyongyang leaflets were sent over the border recently by South Korean activists.

In early May, North Korean defector-turned-human rights activist Park Sang-hak sent 20 balloons carrying 300,000 leaflets condemning North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The balloons were also stuffed with USB drives containing South Korean media such as K-pop and K-drama, as well as U.S. dollar bills.

“I wanted to let the North Korean people know that Kim Jong Un is the enemy of Korean people," Park told NBC News in a phone interview Wednesday.

He added that he wanted to show people in the North what it was like to live in the South after the defection.

“They must know that Kim Jong Un is telling lies when he labeled South Koreans as America’s slaves when the reality is that North Koreans are the slaves to Kim Jong Un," he said.

The standoff between the two neighbors has been escalating in recent months, with Kim's actions raising concerns from some analysts that he may even be preparing to take military action.

The use of balloons to send materials across the border is not a new tactic. Both North and South Korea have historically used balloons to spread propaganda and other materials. However, the contents of these latest balloons — which included items like trash and old batteries — represent a new and troubling development in the ongoing tension.

South Korean authorities are taking these actions seriously, viewing them as a direct threat to public safety and a violation of international norms. The decision to include hazardous materials like batteries and fertilizers could pose environmental and health risks, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The move also reflects the broader strategy of psychological warfare employed by North Korea. By sending waste and propaganda, North Korea aims to unsettle the South Korean populace and create a sense of unease. This tactic is part of a larger pattern of provocative behavior designed to exert pressure on South Korea and its allies.

In response to these provocations, South Korean military and civilian authorities are working together to manage the immediate threat while preparing for potential future escalations. The South Korean government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining stability in the region.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The ongoing conflict on the Korean peninsula remains a critical issue, with implications for regional security and global peace. The actions of both North and South Korea will be scrutinized as they navigate this precarious and volatile situation.

The barrage of balloons is just one manifestation of the deep-seated animosity between the two Koreas. Historically, the Korean peninsula has been a hotspot for ideological and political conflicts, and the current situation is a reminder of the fragile peace that exists between the North and South. The South Korean military has been placed on high alert, and there is a growing concern that these provocations could escalate into more serious confrontations if not managed carefully.

South Korea's President has called for an emergency meeting with military and civilian leaders to discuss the implications of this latest act of aggression and to formulate a strategic response. There is a concerted effort to engage with international allies and seek their support in addressing the threats posed by North Korea's actions. The President emphasized the importance of a united front in dealing with North Korea's provocations and ensuring the safety and security of the South Korean population.

International reactions have been swift, with several countries condemning North Korea's actions. The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to South Korea's defense, with the Pentagon stating that any attack on South Korea would be met with a strong response. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the increasing tensions and has called for both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.

As the situation develops, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and apprehension among the South Korean population. The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Public safety campaigns are being launched to educate people on how to handle potential threats and to ensure that they are well-prepared for any eventualities.

In the midst of these tensions, there are also efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. Various non-governmental organizations are working to foster dialogue and understanding between the people of North and South Korea. There are calls for more humanitarian aid and support for North Korean defectors, highlighting the shared history and cultural ties that bind the Korean people despite the political divisions.

The use of balloons as a tool of psychological warfare underscores the lengths to which North Korea is willing to go to intimidate and provoke South Korea. It also highlights the need for innovative and strategic responses to counter such unconventional threats. As South Korea navigates this complex and challenging landscape, the resilience and unity of its people will be crucial in overcoming the threats posed by its northern neighbor.