Seoul, South Korea - South Korea's military said Saturday it detected North Korea removing some of its loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after the South dismantled its own front-line speakers used for anti-North Korean propaganda broadcasts, in a bid to ease tensions.

South Korea's military says North Korea has begun removing some of the loudspeakers used to broadcast propaganda across the border between the two countries. North Korea's move appears to be a positive reaction to the overtures from newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who had campaigned on improving inter-Korean ties.

In recent months, North Korean loudspeakers have blared howling animals, pounding gongs, and other noises in response to South Korean propaganda and K-pop, irritating border residents.