President Lee Pays Private Visit to Soldiers Injured in Landmine Blast, Pledges 'Full Support and Respect'

President Lee Jae-myung met with soldiers injured in a recent landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and their families to offer words of comfort.

President Lee visited the Armed Forces Capital Hospital this morning (September 30) to console the injured service members, urge them to focus on their recovery, and meet with their families to listen to their difficulties.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kim Sung-wan stated in a written briefing that the injured soldiers expressed their gratitude toward their comrades, saying, "We were able to survive because our operational team moved as one."

He also conveyed that they expressed a desire to continue their military service after recovery, saying, "Wherever and in whatever capacity, we want to dedicate ourselves to the country."

President Lee promised to ensure full support and respect for the soldiers—not only for their medical treatment and rehabilitation, but also to allow them to continue their military careers—so that the soldiers and their families would not have to worry.

He also said, "If the injured do not receive proper honor and care, it directly impacts military morale, so please make sure they are properly looked after," instructing officials to review specific support measures and inform the families of the results.

Spokesperson Kim said in the written briefing, "The families voiced distress over too many people exploiting the injured soldiers for agitation and spreading conspiracy theories, and asked President Lee to set the record straight."

President Lee's visit was conducted quietly without photo coverage out of consideration for the young children of the injured soldiers.

Chief of Staff to the President Kang Hoon-sik, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac, and First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kang Geon-jak accompanied the president on the visit.

(Photo: Cheong Wa Dae Press Photo Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.