South Korea's Lee balances stance on dialogue as North denies mine blast

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for dialogue with North Korea on Thursday (Oct 1), following a blast in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that injured three South Korean soldiers. The South and North remain technically at war since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty. On September 21, a powerful landmine explosion occurred inside the DMZ, severely injuring three South Korean officers, with one losing his foot.

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un denied involvement in the blast on Wednesday, claiming it was not a North Korean attack. South Korea's military demanded an apology from North Korea, stating the incident violated the Armistice Agreement and undermined inter-Korean agreements. The US-led United Nations Command also identified an active anti-personnel mine on the North Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line, determining an Armistice Agreement violation.

President Lee expressed hope that North Korea would join in restoring trust and resuming dialogue following a long interruption. His stance contrasts with his predecessor's more hawkish approach, who sought to freeze North Korea's nuclear program and offer sanctions relief in return.