Military: "Suspected to Be a North Korean Landmine; Will Announce Conclusion After Comprehensive Review"

On September 28, during a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) by members of the National Assembly's Defense Committee to verify the investigation status of a presumed landmine explosion in the western front DMZ, military authorities reported that, based on expert opinions suggesting the device may be a Northern landmine, a comprehensive investigation would be necessary.

Yonhap News Agency

This was stated during a Q&A session with the Defense Committee members after military officials, including Kang Donggu, Director-General of Strategic Planning at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Kim Jeonggu, Deputy Director of the Readiness Inspection Division at the JCS, delivered their report on the incident that day.

Chun Haram, a member of the Reform Innovation Party, asked, "Given that injured personnel have testified that it was a Northern wooden-box mine, is there any reason for the delay in confirming whether it was indeed a Northern landmine?"

Director Kang replied, "I understand that they testified the shape matched that of a wooden-box mine, but the material appeared to be plastic," adding, "It's difficult to conclusively determine that it was a wooden-box mine."

When Assemblyman Chun further questioned, "Since experts have testified that it appears to be a North Korean landmine, is it accurate that as of today, all possibilities are still being considered?" Director Kang responded, "It is being presumed as a Northern mine," and added, "We must also establish when it was planted, so we will provide a comprehensive explanation based on the results from the National Forensic Service and our field investigation."

Minister of National Defense Kang Shinchul told reporters at the National Assembly that morning, "An on-site investigation is being conducted today," while Kim Jeonggu, Deputy Director of the Readiness Inspection Division at the JCS, reported, "Yesterday, the military and the United Nations Command conducted a joint on-site investigation."

In response to Democratic Party Defense Committee Chair Jin Sungjoon's question about why there was a delay in beginning a field investigation after the incident occurred on the 21st, Director Kang reported, "We first collected blood-stained gauze and other materials from the seriously injured and requested analysis from the National Forensic Service on the 22nd. That was the earliest investigation conducted."

Director Kang continued, "The day after, the Minister oversaw the site, and the head of the task force, the Director of Operations, assessed field safety. On the 26th, the head of the task force was changed to the JCS Deputy Director, and the field investigation team conducted the evaluation."

Democratic Party Assemblyman Kim Byungjoo pointed out, "Key evidence such as powder residue or ammunition traces are analyzed immediately by the National Forensic Service, and additional verification of projectile traces is conducted at the site. Therefore, claims by the People Power Party that you 'did nothing' are unfounded."

Director Kang stated, "We are actively communicating with the United Nations Command. After discussions regarding risks and preparations, the UNC suggested conducting a joint investigation at a later date."

Assemblyman Kim stressed, "We will thoroughly uncover the truth, and if it is determined that this damage was caused by a North Korean landmine, we will ensure an appropriate response."

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