Korea-Konflikt: Südkorea setzt trotz Minenvorfall auf Dialog mit Nordkorea

Despite a recent mine incident that left three South Korean soldiers wounded, President Lee Jae Myung continues to pursue a path of rapprochement with North Korea. His government will "consistently pursue practical measures" to reduce military tensions between the two Koreas, Lee said in a speech marking South Korea's Armed Forces Day.

He expressed hope that North Korea would participate in the resumption of dialogue. His remarks come just days after suspected North Korean landmines caused an explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers on September 21st near the inner-German border. The incident occurred after a joint investigation with the UN command, which concluded with high probability that North Korean landmines were placed south of the military demarcation line and likely not washed away by rain at the explosion site.

South Korea's Defense Minister Kang Shin Chul also stated on Monday that it was assumed that the landmines were placed by North Korea and had not been washed away by rainfall. This would constitute a clear violation of the armistice agreement between the two states, according to Kang. North Korea denied the accusations and threatened retaliation.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un, called South Korea's military leadership a "military gangster" and its investigation conclusions a "staged conspiracy." President Lee indirectly addressed the mine incident in his recent speech, referring to it as an "unexpected accident" in the demilitarized zone. He avoided direct criticism of North Korea and did not name its responsibility.

Since taking office over a year ago, President Lee has pursued a policy of rapprochement with Pyongyang. In September, he expressed support for a relaxation of economic sanctions against North Korea if the regime freezes its nuclear weapons program. However, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has so far shown rejection of the South Korean diplomatic efforts.

North and South Korea have remained technically in a state of war since the end of the Korean War (1950-53), as no peace treaty has been signed. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have significantly increased in recent years.