'Untoward Accident' Expression Used in Context of Consoling Injured Soldiers, Cheong Wa Dae Says

[Anchor]

Cheong Wa Dae stated that President Lee Jae-myung's description of the western front landmine explosion as an "untoward accident" during his Armed Forces Day commemorative address was made in the context of consoling injured soldiers. Regarding the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, which has been raised by some as a corresponding measure, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said it would be an extremely dangerous act.

Reporter Kang Min-u reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung used the expression "untoward accident" yesterday (October 1) during his Armed Forces Day commemorative address.

[President Lee Jae-myung (Yesterday) : "My heart still aches when I think of our soldiers who were injured in an untoward accident in the Demilitarized Zone."]

Regarding this phrasing, which carries the dictionary definition of "an unexpected incident that occurred," conservative opposition parties unleashed criticism, saying, "An obvious act of aggression was characterized as an unexpected accident, as if someone merely tripped while walking down the street."

In response, Cheong Wa Dae reiterated President Lee's principle that "special sacrifice for the nation deserves special honor," explaining as follows:

[Sung Ki-hong / Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication (SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show") : "The context of using the expression 'untoward accident' came from an intention to console the soldiers who were severely injured due to that incident and to encourage and comfort their families."]

He also emphasized that there is no change in the government's stance to sternly take necessary measures against North Korea based on a thorough investigation.

[Sung Ki-hong / Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication (SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show") : "(Are you also reviewing corresponding measures?) Yes, we are reviewing necessary measures."]

However, the government's deliberations are deepening over what "a firm corresponding measure that does not escalate military tension" might be.

The government appears to be drawing a line against resuming loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, which has been demanded by the conservative opposition.

[Chung Dong-young / Minister of Unification : "Some argue that 'we must resume loudspeaker broadcasts,' but that is irresponsible and extremely dangerous."]

A Cheong Wa Dae official stated, "There is currently no discussion on what specific corresponding measures will be taken."

Within Cheong Wa Dae, the prevailing sentiment is to maintain a cautious stance by prioritizing honors and compensation for the wounded soldiers rather than taking hard-line moves against North Korea.

Camera by Jeong Sang-bo and Ha Ryoong | Video by Nam Il | Graphics by Han Heung-soo
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.