Presidential Office: Phrase 'Untoward Incident' Meant to Console Injured Soldiers

[Anchor]

Cheong Wa Dae stated that President Lee Jae-myung's description of the western front landmine explosion as an "untoward incident" during his Armed Forces Day address two days ago was delivered in the context of consoling injured soldiers. The presidential office also appears to be drawing a line against resuming loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, which has been raised in some quarters as a corresponding countermeasure.

Kang Min-u reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung used the expression "untoward incident" in his Armed Forces Day address.

[President Lee Jae-myung (Thursday): Thinking of our service members who were injured in an untoward incident in the Demilitarized Zone still breaks my heart.]

Regarding this expression, which carries the dictionary definition of "an unexpectedly occurring accident," the conservative opposition launched fierce criticism, saying, "They characterized a clear act of aggression as an unexpected accident, as if someone had merely tripped while walking down the street."

In response, Cheong Wa Dae reiterated President Lee's principle that "special sacrifices for the nation deserve special treatment and honor," explaining the matter 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 incident' was to console the soldiers who were seriously wounded by that incident and to encourage and console their families.]

He also emphasized that there is no change in the government's stance to strictly 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 considering corresponding countermeasures?) Yes, we are reviewing necessary measures.]

However, the government's deliberations are deepening over what constitutes a "resolute countermeasure that does not escalate military tensions."

It also appears to be distancing itself from resuming loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea, as demanded by the conservative opposition.

[Chung Dong-young / Minister of Unification: Some argue that 'loudspeaker broadcasts should be resumed,' but that is irresponsible and extremely dangerous.]

A Cheong Wa Dae official stated, "There is currently no discussion underway on taking any specific corresponding countermeasures," indicating that the government intends to maintain a cautious stance by prioritizing honors and compensation for the wounded soldiers over hardline moves against North Korea.

(Video by Jung Sang-bo and Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Nam Il | Graphics by Han Heung-soo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.