[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung met today (September 30) with soldiers wounded in a landmine explosion. He promised to ensure they are fully honored and supported so that they can continue their military service as well as receive treatment. However, there was no specific mention of North Korea.

Park Ye-rin reports.

[Reporter]

This morning, President Lee Jae-myung visited the Armed Forces Capital Hospital to console soldiers injured in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) landmine explosion and their families.

During the visit, which took place without media cameras out of consideration for the families, President Lee urged the wounded soldiers to focus on recovery. When the soldiers expressed their desire to continue their military service, saying, "We want to dedicate ourselves to the country in any role," President Lee promised, "We will ensure you receive the fullest honor and respect so that you can not only receive medical treatment and rehabilitation, but also continue your military life."

He also instructed his aides, "If the injured are not properly honored and cared for, it directly affects the morale of the military, so please make sure they are taken care of."

In a written briefing regarding the visit, Cheong Wa Dae stated that a family member of an injured soldier appealed that they were suffering due to people spreading conspiracy theories. A Cheong Wa Dae official explained that this referred to allegations of delays and cover-ups related to the on-site investigation of the incident.

This afternoon, President Lee attended the launching ceremony of the state-of-the-art Aegis destroyer 'Daeho Kim Jong-seo' and emphasized the importance of self-reliant defense.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "Security that relies on the strength of others is bound to be shaken when that country's circumstances or situation change. This is a reality we are already witnessing even at this very moment."]

President Lee reportedly made no direct mention of North Korea during his visit to the soldiers or at the launching ceremony.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official told SBS that "President Lee is receiving real-time briefings on the fact-finding investigation," but added, "It is not desirable for Cheong Wa Dae to mention measures against North Korea before the final investigation results come out."

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo, Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Yoo Mi-ra | Graphics by Kim Yeji)