JCS Says "Reached Area Near Presumed Blast Site"... DMZ On-Site Investigation Begins

Following the entry of the South Korean military and the United Nations Command into the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) yesterday (September 26) as part of preparations for an on-site probe into a suspected landmine explosion, authorities conducted a full-scale on-site investigation today.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), which earlier completed preparations for the probe, the military deployed about 20 personnel yesterday—including a JCS joint on-site investigation task force led by the JCS vice chairman, the UN Command Military Armistice Commission, investigative bodies, and operational troops—to inspect the safety of movement routes and communication status.

The JCS explained that some of the service members who had taken part in the operation at the time of the incident also participated voluntarily.

On the morning of September 21, two suspected landmine explosions occurred during an operation to clear a reconnaissance path near the Military Demarcation Line in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, injuring three officers.

Among them, two suffered serious injuries, including a reconnaissance battalion commander.

However, controversy arose over a sluggish response after it was reported that the military had postponed the on-site investigation until after the Chuseok holiday.

Amid this situation, a series of criminal complaints regarding the incident have been filed with the police against the president and military leadership.

Yesterday, the civic group People's Livelihood Countermeasures Committee filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against nine individuals, including President Lee Jae-myung, the National Security Adviser, former and current defense ministers, and the JCS chairman, on charges including abuse of authority and dereliction of duty.

The group claimed that although indications of North Korean troops crossing the Military Demarcation Line and suspicions of landmine planting were raised in June, military authorities failed to respond proactively, which led to the recent incident.

Regarding the investigation schedule, the military previously stated that preparations were underway to ensure the on-site investigation is carried out while guaranteeing the safety of the troops.

Reported by Yeo Hyeon-gyo | Video by Na Hong-hee | Design by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.