Just two kilometers north of South Korea's Ganghwa Island, a strange sound system disturbs the nighttime tranquility. For several months, North Korea has been broadcasting chilling sounds through giant loudspeakers: wolf howls, gunfire, eerie laughter, and macabre music. This psychological warfare through sound once again illustrates the strategic use of sound design in conflict situations. But what technical means are employed to achieve such an effect?
Powerful loudspeakers with formidable range
The loudspeakers used by North Korea are not ordinary sound systems. They belong to a category of equipment specifically designed for long-distance broadcasting. These are known as LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) systems, capable of projecting sounds over several kilometers with remarkable clarity and intensity. These technologies are commonly used for military deterrence or crowd control.
The North Korean giant loudspeakers seem to reach 80 to 90 dB at several kilometers—equivalent to the noise of a jackhammer. With the use of acoustic horns and optimized amplification, these systems allow for targeted broadcasts, making the sound environment oppressive for the residents of Ganghwa.
A sound design engineered for anxiety
The choice of broadcasted sounds is no coincidence. They are designed to trigger an instinctive fear response based on specific frequencies and timbres. Here are some of the sound design elements used in this propaganda warfare:
- Howls and screams: Animal cries, particularly wolf howls, evoke a primal threat deeply rooted in our subconscious.
- Gunfire sounds: Sharp, sudden detonations activate our nervous system, simulating an imminent danger.
- Dissonant music: Minor chords, low-frequency sounds, and repetitive melodies are often used in horror films to create an unsettling atmosphere.
- Sinister laughter: Distorted or exaggerated, they recall audio clichés associated with madness and menace.
This type of sound design is based on psychoacoustic studies and the biological reactions of humans to sound. By broadcasting these elements in the middle of the night, North Korea maximizes their psychological impact on South Koreans living nearby.
Sound: an invisible but powerful weapon
The use of sound as a weapon is not new. The U.S. military has experimented with low-frequency (infrasound) waves to disorient adversaries, and some acoustic systems are even capable of inflicting physical pain. By opting for the broadcast of terrifying sounds, North Korea is using a more psychological form of this sonic warfare.
Meanwhile, South Korea has previously retaliated by using its own loudspeakers to broadcast K-pop music and informational messages aimed at North Koreans. This sonic duel illustrates the strategic importance of audio in modern conflicts.
A reminder about sound ethics
As a sound enthusiast and the creator of BigSoundBank, I sincerely hope that my own sounds will never be used for such manipulative and Machiavellian projects. Sound is a powerful tool, capable of moving, educating, and inspiring… but also intimidating and manipulating. This North Korean case reminds us of the importance of approaching sound design with responsibility.
What do you think about the use of sound as a tool for propaganda or psychological warfare? Should the ethics of sound design be more strictly regulated?
