Government Internally Weighs Independent Cyber Sanctions on North Korea Over Landmines; Foreign, Unification Ministries at Odds

It has been learned that the South Korean government internally reviewed imposing sanctions against North Korea's illicit cyber activities in connection with an explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front that injured three South Korean soldiers due to a North Korean military landmine.

However, final coordination has reportedly not been reached as differing views were raised within the government, including between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which proposed the measure, and the Ministry of Unification, which remains skeptical about its connection to the landmine incident.

Regarding media reports that Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun clashed during a National Security Council (NSC) meeting on October 1, a Foreign Ministry official stated, "Please understand that it is difficult to confirm specific details regarding NSC matters."

The official also addressed whether and when independent cyber sanctions would be pursued, explaining, "It is currently at the stage of internal review, and nothing has been finalized."

The official added, "North Korea's illicit cyber activities are not only a major funding source for its nuclear and missile programs, but also pose a threat to the global digital economy regardless of nationality, which is why our government has been responding in close coordination with the international community."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.