Rep. Yoo Claims North Korean Fences in 21st Division Sector Extend South of MDL

Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party claimed, "In the eastern front's 21st Division, even structures such as barbed-wire fences installed by the North Korean military are reportedly located south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL)," adding, "North Korea's violations of the MDL are occurring more extensively than previously known."

Holding a press conference at the National Assembly today (October 5), Yoo said, "According to recent findings, the issue of North Korean minefields and other installations encroaching south of the MDL is not confined to the 25th Division, but is occurring in multiple areas along the front line."

He added, "Considering that installations are typically arranged in the order of 'minefield, tactical road, and barbed-wire fence' when looking north from the Republic of Korea, we cannot rule out the possibility that not only fences, but also minefields and tactical roads have crossed the MDL in the 21st Division area."

Yoo noted, "The 21st Division sector in particular was singled out by Kim Yo-jong in her recent statement when she talked about 'firepower reinforcement,' making it an area where an even more principled and resolute response is required." He pointed out, "However, during questioning at the parliamentary National Defense Committee on September 29, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff replied to the effect that it was a simple border crossing rather than a minefield."

He urged the government to clearly state how many locations feature North Korean minefields and structures like fences encroaching south of the MDL, when the installation of minefields and structures south of the MDL was first confirmed and how it has been addressed, and how it will respond to landmine explosion incidents in the DMZ.

Meeting with reporters after the press conference, Yoo said, "The fences in the 21st Division sector are understood to have been set up relatively recently, between August and September," adding, "This should be viewed as part of North Korea's fortification of the border."

Five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won also stated on Facebook today, "While North Korea threatened the Republic of Korea by firing hypersonic missiles and repeatedly crossed the Military Demarcation Line to plant landmines, our troops guarding the front line reportedly did not have a single live round in their rifles," urging that "the real mastermind and higher-ups behind the 'empty-rifle guard' order must be fully uncovered."

Five-term lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun also cited President Lee's congratulatory address the previous day and criticized, "What the public wants to hear is not the empty slogan of 'breaking the vicious cycle,' but a clear answer on what the government will do about North Korea's violations of the Armistice Agreement and how it will protect the lives of the people and service members."

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