North Korea denies South's claim, calls DMZ blast a 'farce'

North Korea vehemently denied South Korea's accusation that it was responsible for a mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), calling the claim a "farce," according to state media KCNA. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul of fabricating evidence after blaming Pyongyang for last week's explosion.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, and South Korean authorities initiated an investigation. South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul alleged that North Korean mines caused the blast and threatened corresponding action, suggesting that North Korea had planted mines to fortify the border. The South Korean military announced it would implement a series of necessary measures.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff demanded an apology from North Korea for the explosion and urged responsible measures. Following a follow-up inspection, South Korean and UN investigators discovered another North Korean mine on the ROK side of the DMZ, confirming North Korea's violation of the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.