The South Korean military on Wednesday (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 issued at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters, Kang Hyun-woo, director of operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, "North Korea has continuously pursued what it calls the fortification of the border, including planting landmines near the Military Demarcation Line, which is a clear violation of the Armistice Agreement and must be halted immediately."

In particular, Kang stated, "On September 21, an incident occurred in which our service members conducting routine search operations south of the Military Demarcation Line were seriously injured by North Korean landmines," strongly demanding that North Korea immediately cease activities that escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula—including the fortification of the border—and offer an apology along with responsible measures.

He added, "We make it clear that North Korea bears full responsibility for any situations that may arise in the future."

(Photo: Yonhap News)