(2nd LD) Lee vows to seek measures to reduce military tensions with N. Korea

Seoul, October 1 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung affirmed on Thursday his steadfast determination to explore practical solutions aimed at easing military tensions with North Korea. This pledge came amid ongoing discord over a recent North Korean mine explosion along the border, which has left three South Korean soldiers injured.

The president made these remarks during a ceremony commemorating the 78th Armed Forces Day at the military headquarters in Gyeryongdae, South Chungcheong Province, following the incidents in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

President Lee emphasized that his administration will consistently pursue pragmatic measures to ease military tensions between the two Koreas. He acknowledged that the challenges in inter-Korean relations are intricate and complex, but pledged to persistently and patiently work towards resolving them, one issue at a time. President Lee stressed that peace and prosperity must be actively created, rather than passively received, and that the most reliable form of security is achieved through conflict prevention.

In his pursuit of peace on the Korean Peninsula, Lee urged both Koreas to find a way to cooperate and establish mutual trust. He noted that trust is gradually built when actions align with words. He also extended an invitation to North Korea to join South Korea on the path of rebuilding trust and resuming dialogue.

The president's remarks followed the South Korean military's announcement that the DMZ blast, caused by North Korean mines, was a "blatant violation" of the armistice agreement ending the 1950-53 Korean War. Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul declared that Seoul would take appropriate measures in response to confirmed North Korean involvement.

However, Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, denied South Korean responsibility for the blast and accused Seoul of fabricating evidence. President Lee expressed deep concern for the wounded soldiers, pledging his commitment to their swift recovery. He reinforced his dedication to bolstering self-reliant national defense, including plans to acquire indigenous nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s and regain South Korean operational control of troops from the United States.

To address the challenge of dwindling military recruits, Lee also vowed to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated military systems.