Seoul: N. Korean loudspeakers blare propaganda messages in response to S. Korean broadcasts

South Korean protesters shout slogans during a rally demanding to stop the joint military exercises, Ulchi Freedom Guardian or UFG, between the U.S. and South Korea near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. The UFG exercise kicked off Monday for a 12-day run to prepare for a possible North Korea's attack. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) (The Associated Press)

South Korean protesters stage a rally demanding to stop the joint military exercises, Ulchi Freedom Guardian or UFG, between the U.S. and South Korea near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. The UFG exercise kicked off Monday for a 12-day run to prepare for a possible North Korea's attack. A banner, center, reads " Stop Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) (The Associated Press)

SEOUL, South Korea – Seoul says North Korean loudspeakers are blaring propaganda messages across the border in a response to South Korea's recent restart of similar broadcasts.

Tensions flared last week when South Korea blamed the North for land mine explosions that maimed two South Korean soldiers and resumed propaganda broadcasts in retaliation. North Korea has denied the accusations and threatened to launch strikes on South Korean loudspeakers.

Seoul's Defense Ministry says North Korea began its own loudspeaker broadcasts on the eastern part of the border on Monday.

The North's broadcasts mark the restoration of inter-Korean propaganda warfare along the border after the two Koreas stopped the practice in 2004 to ease animosities.

North Korea's action also came as Seoul and Washington launched annual military drills, which Pyongyang calls an invasion rehearsal.