North Korea has launched an additional 600 balloons carrying garbage into South Korea, escalating tensions between the two nations. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported on Sunday that these balloons were found scattered across the capital from 8:00 p.m. on Saturday to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. This provocative action follows a similar incident earlier in the week.

The balloons were filled with garbage bags containing cigarette butts, paper waste, cloth, and plastic. The Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated that North Korea's intent was to annoy and provoke South Korea. 

In response, an emergency alert has been issued in Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces and parts of Seoul. Residents have been warned to avoid contact with the balloons and to report sightings to the police immediately.

South Korea's military is actively monitoring the launch points and movements of these balloons. Efforts are underway to collect and safely dispose of the debris.

This latest action comes just days after North Korea sent hundreds of balloons carrying dirt and excrement across the border. Seoul condemned the move as dangerous and a violation of the armistice agreement.

On Sunday, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the Shangri-La Security Dialogue in Singapore. Shin informed Austin that North Korea's balloon launches violated the armistice agreement.

In light of these developments, South Korea's National Security Council's Standing Committee is set to convene on Sunday afternoon to discuss potential responses, including the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts at the northern border.

The situation remains tense, with South Korea weighing its options to address North Korea's provocative actions.