JCS Chairman Visits DMZ Unit to Inspect Preparations for Landmine Blast Investigation

Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Jin Yeong-seung visited the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where a suspected landmine explosion recently occurred within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front, to inspect preparations for an on-site investigation, the JCS said.

Chairman Jin evaluated the overall progress and inspected operational readiness today (September 25) alongside key commanders—including Ground Operations Commander Lee Sang-ryeol, the acting commander of the 1st Corps, and the commander of the 25th Division—as well as the "Joint On-Site Investigation Task Force."

Chairman Jin stressed that in conducting the joint on-site investigation, officials must meticulously carry out command, control, communications, rehearsals, and the establishment of safety measures to ensure a thorough investigation while safeguarding the troops.

The JCS stated, "The Joint On-Site Investigation Task Force, headed by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kwon Dae-won, is carrying out its mission even through the Chuseok holiday," adding, "The field investigation team will begin its mission once preparations, including safety measures, are fully completed."

However, concerns have been raised in some quarters that rainfall across most parts of the country during the Chuseok holiday, including Paju, Gyeonggi Province, where the blast occurred, may compromise the condition of the scene.

In fact, because there is a stream near the site of the incident, critical evidence could be lost or mines could be washed away.

Changes in the terrain could also make it difficult to locate the exact site of the incident.

Opposition parties, including the People Power Party, which have raised the possibility of landmines being planted by North Korea, are demanding a swift on-site investigation for these reasons. However, military authorities maintain that because the site is an extremely dangerous area close to the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), securing safety measures for the personnel taking part in the investigation must come first.

Meanwhile, the JCS refuted claims that the South Korean military had dragged its feet in response to the United Nations Command's request for an investigation, calling them untrue.

"From the onset of the incident, our military and the United Nations Command agreed that securing safety measures in advance had to be the top priority, and we have been preparing for the joint on-site investigation accordingly," the JCS explained. "The United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission visited the 25th Division on September 22 to verify details regarding the explosion and coordinated with our military on matters concerning the joint on-site investigation."

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