▲ Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-chul speaks during a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House on October 6.
The Ministry of National Defense stated today (October 7) that it plans to pursue a joint investigation with the United Nations Command (UNC) into North Korea's incursions across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) stemming from its so-called "border fortification," formally classify them as violations of the Armistice Agreement, and officially notify Pyongyang.
In a briefing report prepared for the National Assembly Defense Committee's parliamentary audit, the defense ministry announced regarding its response to the border fortification, "We will pursue a coordinated response with the UNC, which is responsible for armistice management, against North Korea's actions that reduce and dismantle the buffer zone specified in the Armistice Agreement."
The ministry added, "Through a notification to the North, we will strongly urge the cessation of armistice violations and restoration to the original state."
Regarding the explosion caused on September 21 by a landmine planted by North Korea south of the MDL, the defense ministry reported that it will pursue various measures, including conducting joint investigations with the UNC in other areas suspected of mine-laying incursions south of the MDL and continuing demining operations.
The ministry emphasized, "We will strengthen surveillance and response postures to secure operational initiative in the DMZ, and respond resolutely according to operational procedures if North Korea violates the MDL."
It also reiterated its plan to pursue inter-Korean military talks to prevent accidental clashes and discuss aligning the MDL baseline standards and restoring military communication lines.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that it will establish a surveillance posture against North Korea's firepower buildup in border areas, strengthen counter-fire warfare capabilities by updating targets in border regions, and reinforce defense systems.
Regarding the service members injured in the landmine explosion, the ministry said, "We will actively consider measures to honor the wounded personnel, including active medical treatment and recovery support, as well as personnel management commensurate with their sacrifice and dedication."
On the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON), the ministry reaffirmed its plan to determine the transfer timeline by pursuing validation of Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the Future Combined Forces Command at this year's South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM).
Regarding potential contributions to the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the ministry noted that no specific decisions have been made, emphasizing, "When the government decides on tangible contribution measures, we will strictly comply with domestic legal procedures, including parliamentary consent, and proceed while consulting closely with the National Assembly."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.