The South Korean military has suspended its “Voice of Freedom” (자유의 소리) radio broadcasts into North Korea for the first time in 15 years, seeking to improve inter-Korean ties.

The defense ministry said Monday that the broadcasts, reportedly run by its Defense Psychological Operation Group (국군심리전단), were “halted” as part of efforts to “reduce military tensions between the two Koreas.”

The ministry told NK News it cannot confirm the exact timing of the suspension, though ROK media reported that the final transmission went out at 10 p.m. KST on Sunday and that broadcasting ceased early Monday.

The military previously