President Lee Visits Soldiers Injured in DMZ Mine Blasts

Seoul, September 30 - President Lee Jae Myung made an unexpected trip to a military hospital on Wednesday to visit soldiers injured in a land mine explosion that occurred within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) last week. According to a spokesperson for the president, Lee paid his respects to the wounded soldiers and their families, offering words of comfort.

The incident took place on September 21, when two explosions resulted in three soldiers being injured, two suffering from serious wounds. A joint investigation conducted by the South Korean military and the United Nations Command (UNC) concluded that the mines were planted by North Korean forces, violating the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Despite Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korea's leader, contesting the UNC's findings, Lee assured the soldiers that full support would be provided for their treatment, rehabilitation, and continued military service. The president inquired about the availability of proper compensation for the wounded and instructed officials to ensure their adequate reimbursement.

To respect the young children of the injured soldiers, the visit was conducted privately, away from cameras and journalists. The soldiers expressed their determination to continue serving their country, with one of them stating, "I want to dedicate myself to the country in any position."