Unification Ministry Issues Response a Day After North Korea's "Brazen" Statement: "We Will Steadfastly Pursue Peaceful Coexistence"

Regarding the landmine explosion incident in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), while North Korea has shown a 'brazenly shameless' response, the Ministry of Unification stated on October 1, 2026, "We will steadfastly pursue our policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."

An official from the Ministry of Unification met with reporters at the Government Complex in Seoul on this day and, in response to a question about the statement made the previous day by Kim Yo-jong, Director of the Workers' Party General Affairs Department, said, "We will work together with the relevant ministries to take all necessary measures to prevent misfortunes like this landmine explosion from recurring."

This official further stated, "Through Director Kim Yo-jong's statement, we have once again confirmed the high walls of distrust between South and North Korea caused by years of hostility and confrontation policies. I believe that putting an end to this prolonged hostility and confrontation, and building peace that eliminates the need for conflict, is the most realistic way to protect the lives and safety of our people."

Previously, Director Kim made a statement through the Korean Central News Agency the previous day, calling the DMZ landmine explosion incident a 'farce fabricated by Seoul' and outright denied responsibility. She directly refuted the South Korean military's announcement that the exploded landmine had been planted by North Korean troops. Moreover, she used expressions such as 'relentless retaliation', thus demonstrating an even more brazen and shameless stance.

Although the Ministry of Unification has typically responded immediately to major statements from North Korea, this time it took more than a full day for an official response to be issued. When asked if there had been consultation with the presidential office, the official replied, "This is our (the Ministry of Unification's) position."

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