Defense minister visits soldiers injured in suspected DMZ land mine blast

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul paid a visit to a military hospital on Wednesday to comfort two army soldiers who were injured in a suspected land mine explosion within the inter-Korean border, according to the defense ministry. The minister met with the wounded soldiers and their families at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam, located just south of Seoul, following the incident that took place on Monday.

The blast had severed the ankle of a battalion commander and fractured the ankle of a noncommissioned officer. Kang expressed his profound condolences, calling the soldiers "true heroes" who risked their lives to safeguard their fellow service members. He assured the government would provide comprehensive support for their medical care and rehabilitation.

The victims, a lieutenant colonel and a sergeant first class from the 25th Infantry Division, were involved in clearing a path for a United Nations Command inspection of North Korea's border-hardening measures, including mine-laying and fencing. The inspection was scheduled to commence the following day.