Regarding the suspected landmine explosion that recently occurred in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Cheong Wa Dae emphasized, "The investigation is proceeding objectively, swiftly, and thoroughly," adding, "There can be no cover-up."

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official made the remarks to reporters on September 24, local time, at the South Korean press center established in the capital Mexico City during President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Mexico, responding to criticism from the opposition party that the government's investigation into the accident was being delayed.

The senior official emphasized, "(Because I am accompanying the overseas tour,) I have only been briefed on basic facts and do not know fully. I will speak based on what has been relayed from Seoul," while stressing, "There are no suspicions whatsoever regarding the investigation, nor is there any ground for doubt."

Describing it as an "unfortunate incident," the official said, "We need to thoroughly clarify and first determine, if it was indeed a landmine, what kind of mine it was, whether North Korea planted it, and if not, what happened."

Explaining the background, the official added, "They say the site where the incident took place is not safe. In the past, when other landmines exploded, it occurred along regular routes that were constantly searched, so (investigators) could be deployed immediately to conduct a prompt (investigation). However, (this incident's location) was an area where a new route was being cleared and carries high risks, so we are approaching it cautiously."

The official also stated, "We are conducting (the investigation) together with the United Nations Command," adding, "There is absolutely no possibility of any hidden conspiracy, concealment, or cover-up whatsoever," and "It is groundless."

This drew a clear line against allegations of a "cover-up" raised by parts of the conservative opposition, which claimed the government is deliberately delaying the probe into the explosion site.

The senior Cheong Wa Dae official added, "If you wait a little, although (the investigation) is dangerous, we will take that into account, carry it out swiftly, and come back with results to report to you."

Regarding Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul's stance of 'keeping all possibilities open' as to who planted the mine, the official remarked, "We share the same view," adding, "We were briefed through that channel, and (we) have no additional information."

Earlier, around 10:50 a.m. on September 21, two suspected landmine explosions occurred in an area adjacent to the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, under the jurisdiction of the Army's 25th Infantry Division, leaving two people seriously injured, including a South Korean reconnaissance battalion commander, and one person lightly injured.

(Photo: Yonhap News)