Seoul:South Korea: South Korea has strongly demanded an apology and responsible actions from North Korea following a recent explosion attributed to North Korean mines in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The incident prompted South Korea to call on Pyongyang to halt its efforts to fortify the border.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul have determined that North Korean resin antipersonnel mines, deliberately planted on the southern side of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), are likely the cause of the September 21 explosion. This incident resulted in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, two of whom sustained critical injuries.

Lt. Gen. Kang Hyun-woo, chief director of operations at the JCS, emphasized that the mine incident represents a clear violation of the Armistice Agreement and undermines the spirit of existing inter-Korean accords. He urged North Korea to cease activities that escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, specifically targeting the North's "border fortification" efforts. Kang asserted that North Korea bears full responsibility for any future repercussions stemming from its actions.

This statement marks the first official response from the South Korean military towards Pyongyang concerning the land mine explosion. In contrast, North Korea has denied involvement. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a statement accusing Seoul of fabricating the incident's findings and warned of "merciless" retaliation if South Korea responds with any corresponding measures.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff's announcement followed a report by the U.N. Command (UNC), which confirmed a violation of the Armistice Agreement due to the mine explosion. The UNC, responsible for enforcing the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953, is addressing the violation through established mechanisms. It also reaffirmed the preliminary findings of a joint investigation with the South Korean military, identifying an active North Korean land mine on the southern side of the MDL.