South Korea says preparing response to force North Korean apology over DMZ blast

Seoul is preparing a response aimed at compelling North Korea to apologize for a mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that gravely injured two South Korean soldiers, according to a defense ministry spokesperson. The spokesperson, Chung Bin-na, also urged Pyongyang to engage in discussions regarding the divergence of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which divides the DMZ.

On September 21, the explosion left three South Korean troops wounded, two critically. However, Chung declined to detail the forthcoming measures, citing the findings of a joint investigation conducted with the United Nations Command. North Korea was held responsible for the blast, which was attributed to mines planted by the North, according to Seoul.

The spokesperson emphasized that North Korea must eliminate the mines it had placed in the DMZ, located south of the MDL. However, the spokesperson also highlighted discrepancies in the precise border line separating the Korean Peninsula, as recognized by both nations. The divergent views of the border line is one factor contributing to tensions in the region, Chung explained.

The Military Demarcation Line, stretching over 200 kilometers between the east and west coasts with 1,900 markers, has become increasingly difficult to define due to limited access within the DMZ since its establishment in 1953, following the conclusion of the Korean War. North Korea dismissed South Korea's accusation that its mines caused the injuries, deeming it baseless, and rejected Seoul's demand for an apology, as reported by the state news agency KCNA.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that Pyongyang had not deliberately planted mines in the border zone, as per KCNA.