(LEAD) JCS chief describes DMZ mine blast as 'provocation'; vows to review response measures

South Korea's top military commander, Gen. Jin Yong-sung, described the recent mine blast near the inter-Korean border as a provocation by North Korea and vowed to review response measures. The incident left three South Korean soldiers injured, two of them seriously. Jin acknowledged he did not initially view the blast as a provocation when a man was injured, but noted that the term "provocation" was not included in the military's announcement.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff concluded a joint investigation with the U.N. Command, confirming that resin antipersonnel mines planted by North Korea caused the blast. This marked the first mine-removal operation inside the buffer zone between the two Koreas. Jin emphasized that the operation was highly significant as it demonstrated the resolve of the South Korean military to eliminate the threat near the Military Demarcation Line.

While the U.S. intelligence sharing on North Korea-related matters remains partially restricted, Jin stated that this does not hinder the military's readiness posture in addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.