Seongnam:Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul visited a military hospital to console two Army soldiers injured in a suspected land mine explosion within the inter-Korean border.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit took place at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam, just south of Seoul. The incident, which occurred on Monday, resulted in severe injuries, with a battalion commander losing an ankle and a noncommissioned officer suffering a fracture.

During his visit, Kang expressed deep sympathies and praised the soldiers as "true heroes" for their bravery in protecting their fellow service members. He promised the government's full support for their medical treatment and recovery.

The victims, identified as a lieutenant colonel and a sergeant first class from the 25th Infantry Division, were engaged in clearing a path for a U.N. Command inspection on North Korea's border-hardening measures. This inspection was scheduled to begin early next week and involved examining mine-laying and fencing activities.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion. There is growing speculation that land mines illegally planted by North Korean troops on the South's side of the DMZ might be responsible.

Kang, who officially assumed office on Tuesday, committed to a thorough investigation into the explosion, emphasizing that the military will not hesitate to respond to any North Korean provocations.