"Is the Government Watching North Korea's Reactions?"... People Power Party Slams Delayed Investigation of DMZ Landmine Incident

Jang Donghyuk: "If It’s a North Korean Landmine, the Highest Level of Response Is Needed"


Jung Jeongsik, Yoon Sanghyun, and Others Criticize Delays in the On-Site Investigation

On September 25, the People Power Party continued its criticism of President Lee Jaemyung and Defense Minister Kang Sincheol, claiming that the on-site investigation into the suspected landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is being delayed.

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, appeared consecutively on NewDailyTV and Maeil Newspaper’s YouTube channels on this day, stating, "Whether the landmine was planted by North Korea or washed down from the North during a flood, shouldn’t the president make a statement? He’s too busy watching Kim Jong Un’s reactions," criticizing him sharply.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is giving an opening remark at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

Jang also wrote on Facebook, "It is highly likely that the landmine was recently planted by North Korean forces. If so, it is a clear act of aggression that demands a corresponding response at the highest level."

He added, "An immediate and thorough investigation is necessary," and warned, "If they try to cover up the incident with inadequate explanations, it will only add grounds for impeachment."

Jung Jeongsik, floor leader of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, "A landmine, almost certainly planted by North Korea, blew off a South Korean soldier’s ankle, yet not only was there no proper response, but even the investigation was postponed until after Chuseok. In this situation, Defense Minister Kang Sincheol is reciting, 'I came, I saw, I conquered.' He may feel like Caesar himself, but to everyone else, he looks much closer to Nero."

Jung Jeongsik, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Assemblyman Yoon Sanghyun held a press conference at the National Assembly, claiming, "There was already awareness of the possibility that North Korea had planted landmines, and the operation was forced ahead even though the risks were clearly anticipated."

He then questioned the military authorities, who postponed the on-site investigation citing safety concerns, asking, "While measures to ensure investigators’ safety are essential, are the lives and safety of our soldiers considered an inevitable sacrifice?" He called on them to "publicly release details of the risk assessment on the DMZ operation, the identity of the approving authority, and the reporting chain before the public in a transparent manner."

Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon also commented on Facebook about the delayed investigation, saying, "This administration is essentially admitting that the military has been neutralized into an honor guard unit ready to roll out a red carpet, instead of rifles, if North Korea crosses the border, just as some people have said."

Assemblyman Han Kiho, a former military general, wrote, "The Ministry of National Defense is making all sorts of excuses and dragging things out. The ministry truly deserves the people’s condemnation," adding, "The Minister of National Defense is truly servile."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.