South Korea begins removing loudspeakers on border with North

South Korea has started removing loudspeakers used to blare K-pop and news reports into the North, as a new administration in Seoul tries to ease tensions with its neighbor.

South Korea's defense ministry spokesman said Monday that all loudspeakers set up along the border will be dismantled by the end of the week.

The South and the North are still technically at war, Seoul's military said in June after the election of President Lee Jae Myung.

The previous government started the broadcasts last year in response to a barrage of trash-filled balloons flown southward by Pyongyang. Despite his diplomatic overtures, the North has rejected pursuing dialogue with its neighbour.