In a bizarre incident, a balloon filled with trash emerged as an unlikely weapon of war when it floated over from North Korea and landed in the presidential compound in the South Korean capital, security officials confirmed on Wednesday. This incident has further heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Seoul's Presidential Security Service revealed that they had tracked the balloon in real-time as it crossed the border carried by the winds from North Korea until it eventually landed at the South Korean presidential compound. Balloons carrying bags of trash have become a new source of tension between the two Koreas since May of this year.

While some balloons had been filled with bottles, old batteries, and even manure, more recently they have been mostly carrying waste paper. North Korea claims that these launches are a response to activists and defectors who have been sending propaganda leaflets via balloons for years. However, some balloons have been found to contain drugs and painkillers.

South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik expressed concern over the possibility of North Korea's military firing at the balloons or the launch sites. Nevertheless, the defense ministry stated that the likelihood of Pyongyang's military accurately detecting the time and location of the South Korean balloons was low.

South Korea has responded to North Korea's balloon launches by blaring K-pop music through loudspeakers across the border. These broadcasts, which started again after a month-long hiatus, are aimed at stirring up domestic agitation and encouraging defections from North Korea.

While the balloon that landed in the presidential compound did not directly harm any key buildings, it has raised security concerns. The Joint Chiefs of Staff mentioned that the balloon was carried by westerly winds, but it is unclear whether it was manually guided.

Amid escalating tensions between the Koreas, South Korea has warned its citizens not to touch the objects contained in the trash bags. Defense Minister Shin also highlighted the possibility of North Korea responding with various actions such as burying landmines, disseminating propaganda leaflets using drones, disrupting GPS signals, or launching cyber-attacks.

In other diplomatic developments, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov arrived in the North Korean capital on Tuesday. Both countries, along with Russia, are allies, and North Korea is keen on strengthening ties with Belarus. This follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent state visit to North Korea, during which a mutual defense treaty was signed.

As tensions continue to mount, North Korean soldiers have been repeatedly crossing the border briefly, prompting warning shots from South Korea. Satellite imagery has revealed that North Korea has been building a wall-like structure along portions of the demilitarized zone, further exacerbating tensions.

The resumption of balloon launches by North Korea remains a possibility, as its president's sister, Kim Yo Jang, previously hinted at in response to "dirty leaflets" found in North Korean border areas. It is worth noting that North Korea suspended military accords agreed upon between the two nations in 2018 and has announced plans to restore border posts.

The incident involving the trash-laden balloon serves as a peculiar reminder of the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which continue to pose challenges for regional security and diplomacy.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul, and Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong.