Additional Coverage:
Over 1.4 million young North Koreans have volunteered to join the military, according to state media, in response to alleged drone incursions by South Korea.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency reports that the surge in volunteers occurred over two days, showing the younger generation’s determination to punish South Korea.
North Korea’s military has been on high alert since accusing the South of flying drones over Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with top officials to discuss the alleged infiltrations, which South Korea has not confirmed.
Tensions between the two Koreas have escalated over the past few months, with North Korea blowing up roads connecting to the South and threatening severe consequences if further drone flights occur.
South Korea has responded with propaganda broadcasts near the border, prompting North Korea to retaliate with loud noises and animal sounds.
In an effort to ease tensions, Gyeonggi Province has declared three areas near the border as “danger zones,” where sending leaflets to the North is prohibited.