"North Korea Must Halt 'Border Fortification'… Apology and Responsible Measures Urged"

The South Korean military today (September 30) strongly urged North Korea to apologize and take responsible measures in connection with a landmine explosion that occurred on the western front.

In a statement delivered at the Ministry of National Defense building, Kang Hyun-woo, Chief Director of Operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, "North Korea has continuously pursued the so-called border fortification, including laying landmines near the Military Demarcation Line, which is a clear violation of the Armistice Agreement and must be stopped immediately."

In particular, noting that "on September 21, an incident occurred in which our service members conducting a routine search operation south of the Military Demarcation Line were seriously injured by a North Korean landmine," he strongly urged North Korea to immediately halt activities that heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula, including border fortification, and to offer an apology along with taking responsible measures.

He added, "We make it clear that all responsibility for any situations that arise in the future lies entirely with North Korea."

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