South Korea demands apology from North Korea over DMZ landmine blasts
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South Korea's military demanded an apology from North Korea on Wednesday for landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone that wounded three South Korean soldiers on September 21. Seoul called the blasts a clear violation of the 1953 armistice and vowed corresponding measures, while Pyongyang denied responsibility and accused the South of fabricating the incident.
Key Facts
- Three South Korean soldiers were wounded in two landmine explosions on September 21 near the military demarcation line in the western section of the Demilitarized Zone.
- South Korea's military on Wednesday demanded a formal apology from North Korea and an immediate halt to border fortification activities.
- North Korea's Kim Yo Jong denied that North Korean troops crossed the border to plant mines and warned the South to be 'prepared for paying price for the farce of their own making.'
- The United Nations Command, which conducted on-site investigations with the South Korean military, said it would handle the armistice violation through established mechanisms.
The DMZ Explosions
Three South Korean soldiers were injured in two explosions on September 21 near the military demarcation line in the western section of the Demilitarized Zone. South Korea's military said the blasts occurred on its side of the DMZ and were 'highly likely' caused by North Korean mines. Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul called the explosions a 'clear' violation of the 1953 armistice that halted active combat in the Korean War. The United Nations Command, which joined the on-site investigation, stated it would address the violation through established Armistice mechanisms.
Seoul's Demand and Pyongyang's Denial
On Wednesday, South Korea's military demanded an apology from North Korea and an immediate stop to border fortification activities. Kang Hyunwoo, director of operations for the South Korean joint chiefs of staff, said the military 'strongly urges' North Korea to apologise and take responsible measures to prevent recurrence. North Korea denied responsibility, with Kim Yo Jong accusing South Korea of 'cooking up' the claims for political and military provocation. Kim also referenced the 2015 landmine incident in which two South Korean soldiers were maimed, claiming Seoul used it as a pretext to escalate tensions.
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