North Korean forces were confirmed to have breached the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) ten times in November, venturing into southern territory. Intelligence reports suggest they also planted landmines in areas south of the MDL during these incursions.
During a routine press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense on December 19, Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-jun revealed that since November, North Korean troops have been conducting operations in the barren zones of Goseong, Gangwon Province. Due to the MDL’s sharp northward protrusion in certain areas of Goseong, there have been instances of North Korean personnel crossing or intruding into these areas.
Data provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Representative Kang Dae-sik of the People Power Party indicates that North Korean forces have violated the MDL 16 times since March of this year.
Notably, from November 4 to 23, MDL violations occurred approximately every other day. Goseong in Gangwon Province saw the highest number of incursions with six, followed by Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi Province with three, and Hwacheon in Gangwon Province with one.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that South Korean forces responded to these North Korean incursions with warning broadcasts and shots, prompting the North Korean troops to withdraw. In four instances, only warning broadcasts were issued without firing warning shots, which still resulted in the immediate retreat of North Korean forces.
Addressing media claims that the Ministry of National Defense had ordered troops to refrain from firing warning shots even when provoked by North Korean forces, Deputy Spokesperson Lee Kyung-ho stated that this is categorically false. The military continues to respond firmly to any violations of the armistice agreement, including MDL incursions, following established protocols. There have been no alterations to its operational procedures.
Since adopting its two Koreas stance, North Korea has intensified its border control measures, including erecting barbed wire fences and laying mines within the demilitarized zone (DMZ), while persistently violating the MDL.
On November 17, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense proposed military talks to North Korea aimed at establishing a clear MDL baseline to prevent accidental clashes and reduce military tensions. However, North Korea has not responded to this proposal, and North Korean troops have crossed the MDL four additional times since then.