Sanaa:South Korea's top military commander has labeled the recent mine explosion near the inter-Korean border as a "provocation" by North Korea, pledging to review response measures.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung addressed concerns from opposition lawmakers regarding the military's initial reluctance to term the Sept. 21 blast a "provocation." The explosion, which was attributed to resin antipersonnel mines deliberately planted by Pyongyang, resulted in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, two of whom were seriously hurt.

Gen. Jin defended the mine-removal operation conducted by South Korean troops at the blast site, describing it as "highly significant" in demonstrating the resolve of the South Korean military. He emphasized the importance of eliminating threats near the Military Demarcation Line to protect soldiers and maintained that further response measures are under review.

In response to questions about U.S. intelligence sharing, Gen. Jin acknowledged partial restrictions but assured that they do not hinder the military's readiness regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. The restrictions stem from Washington's protest against the unification minister's disclosure of information on a North Korean nuclear facility.

The JCS chairman also announced that six of the seven live drills postponed in August will proceed, as part of the scaled-back Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. The South Korean military has vowed to bolster its readiness to deter further provocations by North Korea and to strengthen capabilities in the Demilitarized Zone, including through the use of AI and advanced surveillance technologies.