President Lee Visits DMZ Landmine Accident Injured Soldiers: "Proper Compensation and Recognition Must Be Ensured"

Visited Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Met with Injured Soldiers and Families
Pledged Support Beyond Treatment and Rehabilitation, Ensuring Continued Military Service
Soldiers: "Our Team Survived by Moving as One"
"Committed to Serving the Nation Even After Recovery"
Families Appeal: "Distressed by Agitation and Conspiracy Theories Using Soldiers"
Private Visit Held Without Photography

On September 30, President Lee Jae-myung visited soldiers who were injured by a landmine explosion while carrying out operations in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He pledged to provide them with not only medical treatment and rehabilitation, but also sufficient recognition and support to ensure they can continue their military service. Notably, President Lee personally checked the compensation system for injuries sustained during operations, stressing that “when injured soldiers are not adequately recognized, it is directly linked to military morale.”

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on September 29, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Kim Sung-wan, spokesperson for the Blue House, announced in a written briefing that President Lee visited the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in the morning to comfort the injured soldiers and their families. The President was accompanied by the policy chief, the Director of National Security, and the First Deputy Director for Security.

On September 21, soldiers of the ROK Army’s 25th Division were wounded by a landmine explosion while conducting a route-clearing operation near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) within the western front sector of the DMZ. According to the military’s interim investigation, the explosion occurred about 10 meters south of the MDL. Given that there are no records of South Korean mines being laid in that location, as well as the results of the explosives analysis and onsite circumstances, the military has determined that it is highly likely the mine was planted by North Korean forces.

In the hospital room, President Lee examined the soldiers’ conditions and asked them to focus on their recovery. The soldiers told President Lee, “Our team survived by moving as one,” expressing their gratitude to their fellow soldiers who participated in the operation with them.

The soldiers also expressed their intention to continue serving as soldiers even after recovering. They conveyed their wishes to President Lee, saying, “Wherever we are and in any position, we want to dedicate ourselves to our country,” and made clear their desire to continue their military duties.

President Lee met separately with the families of the injured soldiers to listen to the difficulties and concerns they have faced during the treatment and rehabilitation process. He affirmed his intention to provide sufficient support so that the soldiers and their families do not need to worry about future treatment or military life.

In particular, President Lee asked officials directly whether there are proper compensation systems in place for injuries sustained during operations, and instructed them to check on institutional support as well. He emphasized, “If injured soldiers are not sufficiently recognized, it is directly tied to the morale of the military, so this must be addressed without fail.” He further directed that, after specific support measures are reviewed, the results should be personally explained to the families.

The families of the injured soldiers also shared their difficulties caused by various claims and controversies that have arisen since the accident. According to spokesperson Kim, the families requested that President Lee rectify the situation, citing distress caused by groups using the injured soldiers for agitation or spreading conspiracy theories.

President Lee also addressed the incident during the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, stating, “The military authorities must work closely with the United Nations Command to swiftly and thoroughly investigate and transparently determine the facts of the event.” He added, “I hope there will be no baseless conspiracy theories that undermine national security.”

The visit was held privately without photography or video recording. The Blue House explained that this was in response to concerns from the families that publicizing images of the visit might cause emotional harm to young children of the injured soldiers.

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