Blue House: "Investigation into DMZ Landmine Explosion Swift and Thorough... Cover-Up Out of the Question"

Regarding the recent suspected landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the Blue House emphasized that the government's "investigation is proceeding objectively, swiftly, and thoroughly," stressing that "a cover-up is out of the question."

A senior Blue House official made the remarks on September 24, local time, while meeting with reporters at the South Korean press center set up in the capital of Mexico City during President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Mexico, responding to criticism from the opposition party that the government is delaying the investigation.

The senior official emphasized, "Because I am accompanying the overseas tour, I have only been briefed on the basic facts and do not know fully. I will speak based on what was relayed from Seoul," adding, "There are absolutely no grounds to harbor suspicion or cast doubt on the investigation."

The official continued, "It is an unfortunate incident," stating, "We believe we must first thoroughly determine what happened—for instance, if it was a landmine, what type of mine it was, whether North Korea planted it, or if not, what took place."

Explaining the background, the official said, "They say the site where the incident took place is not a safe area," adding, "When other landmines detonated in the past, it happened along routine routes that were always patrolled, so personnel could be deployed immediately and conduct the investigation quickly. However, this accident site was an area where a new route was being pioneered and carries high risks, so they are approaching it cautiously."

The official also noted, "The investigation is being conducted jointly with the United Nations Command," adding, "There is absolutely no hidden agenda, nothing being concealed, and a cover-up is entirely out of the question. Such claims are groundless."

This drew a firm line against the "cover-up" allegations raised by some within the conservative opposition, who argue that the government is deliberately delaying the on-site investigation into the explosion.

The senior Blue House official added, "If you wait a little, although the investigation is dangerous, taking that into account, they will conduct it swiftly and bring back results to report."

Regarding Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul's earlier stance that he would "leave all possibilities open" concerning who planted the landmine, the official remarked, "We share the same view," adding, "We received our briefing through that channel, and we do not have additional information."

Earlier, around 10:50 a.m. on September 21, two suspected landmine explosions occurred near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in Paju, Gyeonggi Province—an area under the jurisdiction of the Army's 25th Infantry Division—leaving two South Korean service members, including a reconnaissance battalion commander, seriously injured and one slightly injured.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.