The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that a suspected landmine explosion occurred the previous day (Monday) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the western front. The incident happened while troops were establishing a new search route to verify areas where North Korea is believed to have planted mines as part of its recent border fortification efforts near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).
During a routine press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday, Navy Colonel Jang Do-young, the JCS spokesperson, stated that its military had previously identified terrain alterations near the MDL on the western front, likely carried out by North Korean forces. It subsequently requested a field investigation from the United Nations Command (UNC), which was scheduled for early next week. Yesterday’s DMZ operation was intended to prepare the groundwork for the UNC’s field investigation by creating a search route.
Col. Jang further explained that the operational troops were using mine detectors to clear the search route when the suspected landmine detonation occurred. The incident took place in close proximity to the MDL. It plans to swiftly determine the exact location and cause of the explosion in coordination with the UNC once safety measures are in place.
The UNC’s field investigation on the western front was initiated at the request of South Korean military authorities.
Earlier that day, approximately ten personnel from the Army’s 25th Division reconnaissance unit and the associated engineering corps entered the DMZ to commence the new search route development operation. The suspected landmine explosion occurred around 10:50 a.m. (KST), resulting in injuries to three military personnel, including two serious injuries. One of the critically wounded was identified as the reconnaissance battalion commander.
In response to the incident, the military dispatched emergency helicopters to evacuate the two most severely injured soldiers to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital. The remaining operational personnel, including one with minor injuries, were later transported by ground to the same medical facility after exiting the incident site. The two seriously injured personnel were wearing protective gear, including blast suits and mine-resistant boots, at the time of the explosion.
One of the critically injured soldiers suffered an ankle amputation but underwent surgery the previous day and is reported to be in stable condition. Military medical staff are currently conducting comprehensive health assessments for all injured personnel and operational troops to identify any additional injuries or health concerns.
Since redefining inter-Korean relations as a hostile two-state paradigm, North Korea has been intensifying its border fortification efforts north of the MDL in the DMZ since 2024. These activities include laying mines and erecting barbed wire fences and barriers.
Intelligence reports indicate frequent incursions into areas south of the MDL during these operations. In the past month alone, there have been over 20 instances of North Korean forces crossing the MDL or planting mines in South Korean territory, posing a significant security threat.
On October 10, Representative Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party disclosed that North Korea has been attempting to fortify its border by laying mines and constructing tactical roads as close as 10 to 15 meters south of the MDL on the western front.
The JCS has identified certain areas along the MDL with noticeable terrain changes and has been in discussions with the UNC regarding the possibility of mine-laying activities in these sections. However, it was reported that the location of the recent incident was not among the areas previously identified as having undergone terrain alterations.
When asked if the incident was definitively caused by North Korean mine-laying activities, resulting in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, Col. Jang responded that they’re exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na, when questioned about newly appointed Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol’s directives regarding the incident, stated that immediately upon assuming office, Minister Kang instructed that the top priority should be ensuring the injured soldiers receive comprehensive care and can focus on their recovery. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause and emphasized the need for proactive measures based on the findings.