The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has dismissed South Korea’s claim that North Korea planted land mines which injured three South Korean soldiers near the border last week, warning of possible retaliation if South Korean forces fire upon North Korean troops engaged in fortification efforts along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
The incident, which occurred on September 21 near the military demarcation line in the western segment of the DMZ, has heightened tensions between the two Koreas amid the absence of functional military communication channels. This comes as North Korea maintains a firm stance toward Seoul while continuing to expand its nuclear program.
South Korea’s military announced a preliminary assessment on Monday concluding that the explosions were caused by North Korean land mines, following an inspection of the site conducted jointly with the US-led United Nations Command. The South Korean and UN investigators discovered an additional North Korean mine during a follow-up inspection on Tuesday.
The United Nations Command said that North Korea’s actions violated the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953. This agreement prohibits hostile acts within or against the DMZ and forbids military or civilian personnel from crossing the military demarcation line without authorization from the armistice commission. The UN Command stated it is addressing the violation through established mechanisms but did not provide further details.
Kang Hyun-woo, director of operations for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, called on North Korea to apologize and take “responsible measures” to prevent future incidents. South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul also indicated that Seoul would consider unspecified “corresponding measures” if an investigation confirms North Korea’s responsibility.
In response, Kim Yo-jong labeled South Korea’s assessment a “conspiratorial farce,” accusing Seoul of fabricating claims to justify provocations against the North. She asserted that North Korean soldiers have not crossed the border and criticized South Korea for issuing warnings and firing warning shots at North Korean troops conducting fortification work near the border. Kim warned that if the South Korean military fires beyond warning shots, North Korean border units would respond with “immediate and merciless retaliatory action.”
Recent years have seen North Korea increase its defensive installations along the DMZ, including additional mines and anti-tank barriers, raising concerns in South Korea over the heightened military presence near the border.
The incident underscores the fragile security situation on the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing challenges in maintaining communication and reducing the risk of escalation between the two neighbors.