Nakyung Won Leads Resolution Calling for Truth-Finding on 'DMZ Landmine Disaster'...Han Donghoon and Lee Junseok Join

Formation of a Fact-Finding Committee Including Experts Recommended by the Opposition
Call for an Emergency Joint Parliamentary Hearing

Nakyung Won, a member of the People Power Party, sponsored a resolution on September 29 calling for a thorough investigation into the suspected landmine explosion incident in the Western Front Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Na Kyung-won, Member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

The resolution, titled "Resolution Calling for a Truth-Finding Investigation into the Suspected Downplaying and Concealment by the Lee Jaemyung Administration Regarding the North Korean Landmine Disaster in the DMZ and for the Recognition and Support of Injured Soldiers," argues that the government's independent investigation alone is insufficient to uncover the truth. It calls for the formation of an investigative committee that includes experts in explosives, landmines, and military investigations recommended by opposition parties.

The resolution also urges the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, National Defense Committee, and Intelligence Committee to immediately convene an emergency joint hearing, so that both the recent landmine explosion incident and the case of the North Korean POW who had been detained in Ukraine and subsequently repatriated can be addressed together.

Additionally, the resolution requests that the National Assembly immediately conduct an emergency inquiry to publicly disclose when President Lee Jaemyung was informed of the incident, what instructions he issued, and the follow-up measures taken for the injured soldiers. It further urges personnel decisions and legal accountability for those responsible.

In particular, if it is confirmed that the injuries were caused by hostile acts such as landmines planted by the North Korean military, the resolution states that the injured soldiers should be officially classified as having sustained battle injuries, ensuring that they receive proper recognition and compensation. It emphasizes that the government should respect injured soldiers’ wishes regarding continued military service, enabling them to do so if desired. If they choose to be discharged, measures such as registration for veterans’ benefits, rehabilitation, employment, and livelihood support must be provided seamlessly.

Assemblywoman Won stated, "If soldiers are to be assigned to dangerous duties, risks must first be made known. When soldiers are injured, the causes must be thoroughly investigated, and the state must take responsibility for their treatment and future life. This is not a position specific to any political party, but a fundamental obligation that the state owes to its soldiers." She further explained, "I have proposed this resolution to specify concrete implementation measures and deadlines for the treatment and compensation of the injured soldiers, formation of an investigative committee, hearings and parliamentary probes, identification of responsible parties, prevention of recurrence, and to outline follow-up actions if these measures are not carried out."

As of this afternoon, over 50 lawmakers had co-sponsored the resolution, including Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party; five-term members Kwon Youngsae and Cho Bae-sook; four-term members Lee Jongbae, Ahn Cheolsoo, and Park Dae-chool; as well as independent lawmaker Han Donghoon and former leader of the Reform Party Lee Junseok, reflecting widespread participation from conservative opposition figures.

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