North Korea denied responsibility for a September 21 mine blast that wounded three South Korean personnel, calling Seoul’s findings a “farce.” The UN Command said its investigation found an armistice violation and another active North Korean mine on the South Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul of fabricating evidence and denied that North Korean troops had crossed the border. South Korea’s defence minister said North Korean mines caused the blast and that Seoul would take “corresponding” action.
The UN Command said a joint investigation with South Korean forces identified another active North Korean anti-personnel mine on the South Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line. It determined that an armistice violation occurred and said it was addressing the matter through established mechanisms.
South Korea’s military demanded an apology and an end to North Korea’s border fortification work, which includes barriers, roads and mine-laying. The incident could further complicate South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to reopen dialogue with North Korea, an analyst said.