On Monday, Representative Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, disclosed that North Korean forces have established minefields beyond the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) not only in the 25th Division sector of the western front but also in various areas along the eastern front, including the 21st Division.
During a press briefing at the National Assembly, Rep. Yoo stated that recent intelligence suggests that North Korean incursions south of the MDL, including minefields, are not isolated to the 25th Division. These violations are occurring across multiple forward areas. He added that of particular concern, reports indicate that North Korean-installed structures, including barbed wire fences, have been detected south of the MDL in the 21st Division’s area of responsibility.
Rep. Yoo explained that typically, when observing northward from South Korean positions, it expects to see a minefield, tactical road, barbed wire fence configuration. Given this pattern, it must consider the possibility that not only fences, but also minefields and tactical roads may have encroached on the MDL in the 21st Division sector. He emphasized that this area is especially critical as it was explicitly mentioned by Kim Yo-jong in her recent statement about firepower enhancement. With the likelihood of further North Korean provocations, a principled and resolute response is imperative.
The lawmaker pointed out that however, when he inquired about North Korean MDL violations in the 21st Division area during the Defense Committee session on September 29, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff downplayed the issue, characterizing it as a simple border crossing rather than a minefield incursion. Rep. Yoo argued that in light of the September 21 demilitarized zone (DMZ) mine provocation, they’re compelled to question whether the government and military leadership are deliberately minimizing or misrepresenting North Korea’s aggressive actions.
Rep. Yoo called on the government to release detailed information on the North Korean minefields and fortifications that have encroached south of the MDL, including when they were discovered, what countermeasures have been implemented, and plans for addressing these provocations.
He concluded by stating that he strongly urges the Lee Jae Myung administration to conduct a thorough investigation and respond decisively based on established principles. Furthermore, it demands an immediate apology and full restoration of the status quo ante from North Korea.
