'Unforeseen Accident' Phrasing Meant to Comfort Injured Soldiers, Cheong Wa Dae Says

[Anchor]

Cheong Wa Dae stated that President Lee Jae-myung's description of the western front landmine explosion as an "unforeseen accident" during his Armed Forces Day address was made in the context of comforting the injured soldiers. Regarding the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts targeting North Korea, which has been raised in some quarters as a corresponding countermeasure, Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young said it would be an extremely dangerous move.

Reporter Kang Min-u reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung used the expression "unforeseen accident" in his Armed Forces Day commemorative address yesterday, October 1.

[President Lee Jae-myung (Yesterday): "Even now, my heart aches when I think of our soldiers who were injured in an unforeseen accident in the Demilitarized Zone."]

Regarding this expression, which carries the dictionary definition of an "accident that occurred unexpectedly," the conservative opposition unleashed harsh criticism, saying, "A clear act of aggression was defined as an unexpected accident, as if someone simply tripped while walking down the street."

In response, Cheong Wa Dae reiterated President Lee's principle that "special sacrifices deserve special honor and compensation," explaining as follows:

[Sung Ki-hong / Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication (SBS Radio 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show'): "The context in which the expression 'unforeseen accident' was used was to comfort the injured soldiers who were seriously hurt in that incident and to encourage and comfort their families."]

He also emphasized that there has been no change in the administration's position to sternly take necessary measures against North Korea based on a thorough investigation.

[Sung Ki-hong / Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication (SBS Radio 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show'): "(Are you also reviewing corresponding countermeasures?) Yes, we are currently reviewing necessary measures."]

However, the government's dilemma is deepening over what kind of "resolute countermeasure" can be taken "without escalating military tensions."

The government appears to be drawing a line against resuming loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, which the conservative opposition has demanded.

[Chung Dong-young / Minister of Unification: "Some argue that 'loudspeaker broadcasts must resume,' but that is irresponsible and extremely dangerous."]

A Cheong Wa Dae official stated, "There are currently no discussions underway regarding what specific corresponding measures will be taken."

The prevailing atmosphere at Cheong Wa Dae is to maintain a prudent stance, prioritizing honoring and compensating the injured soldiers over taking aggressive actions against North Korea.

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo and Ha Ryong | Video Editing by Nam Il | Graphics by Han Heung-soo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.