According to recent analyses, North Korea is reportedly constructing a new forward defense line that reaches or even crosses the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) into the southern part. However, the South Korean military has stated that this analysis is inaccurate.
Based on satellite imagery from the private U.S. satellite service Planet Labs, NK News reported that a new North Korean defensive line was constructed in the southern part of the MDL between April 27 and May 1. The photos show a newly constructed road stretching at least 40m along a hill between North Korea’s Kimhwa County and South Korea’s Cheorwon County, reaching as far as the opposite side of the MDL on the 1953 Armistice Agreement map. It extends about 300m south of the MDL before returning to the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
North and South Korea have established forward defensive lines and fences within the DMZ close to the MDL. However, NK News reported that this construction was the first attempt to build a new defensive line on the MDL in decades.
Another new North Korean defensive line seems to have been constructed in a valley bordering the MDL between North Korea’s Kumgang County and South Korea’s Inje County. This work is estimated to have taken place on March 22-23. The photos captured the removal of trees from the southern side over the following weeks. This work occurred in two locations along a ridge overlooking the new North Korean defensive line near the MDL, suggesting that the South Korean military closely monitors North Korea’s activities.
The South Korean military officially announced only two cases of North Korean soldiers infringing upon the MDL on June 9 and 18. If the analysis by NK News is accurate, there may have been more instances of the North Korean military crossing the MDL.
A Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) official clarified that the North Korean military has never crossed the MDL to install tactical roads. The official also noted that the line identified by foreign media as the MDL, based on outdated maps and satellite photos, differs from the actual MDL.
The map used by NK News to compare with satellite photos was created in 1953 and differs from the MDL line specified on the map managed by the UN Command since the 2010s. The South Korean military authorities also pointed out that precise adjustments are necessary to match the locations on satellite photos with those on the map.
According to the JCS, North Korea is intensifying efforts to create a severance from South Korea by erecting structures presumed to be anti-tank barriers near the MDL and laying mines in the border areas.
NK News assessed that the purpose and scope of North Korea’s activities within the DMZ remain unclear. However, these activities could be related to the new anti-unification policy adopted by North Korea this year and the intention to redraw the border.
The JCS emphasized, “The South Korean military is closely tracking and monitoring the activities of the North Korean military and is prepared to respond to any provocation, including infringement of the MDL.”