(2nd LD) S. Korea to send letter to UNSC urging N. Korea to take responsibility for DMZ mine blast

South Korea intends to deliver a letter to the president of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) urging North Korea to acknowledge responsibility for a recent land mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and comply with the Korean War Armistice Agreement, according to the foreign ministry. The incident, which occurred on September 21, resulted in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, two of whom faced serious injuries.

The military investigation concluded that the blasts were triggered by mines planted by North Korean forces in violation of the Armistice Agreement. In the letter, South Korea aims to highlight North Korea's attempts to portray South Korean military actions along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) as provocations and to shift blame for the escalating tensions onto Seoul.

The ministry spokesperson emphasized that the letter will also seek dialogue to prevent further escalation and restore trust. The letter, to be sent under the ambassador's name, is expected to be circulated to UNSC members within days and posted on the UNSC website. North Korea has denied involvement in the incident and threatened retaliation.

The foreign ministry is coordinating with Greece, the current UNSC president, to ensure prompt dissemination of the letter. During a parliamentary audit, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that Seoul was evaluating various diplomatic responses, including sending a letter, seeking a presidential statement, proposing a UNSC resolution, or refraining from action at the council level.

The ministry official noted that the government has not ruled out unilateral sanctions if North Korea fails to respond to the letter. The foreign ministry held a briefing for diplomats from consultative bodies, including the Korea Club and the Peace Club, to discuss South Korea's efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and mitigate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Jeong Yeon-doo, the vice foreign minister for diplomatic strategy and intelligence, highlighted the government's initiatives and the importance of inter-Korean communication in preventing similar incidents and accidental clashes.