South Korea says North Korean mines behind DMZ blast violated armistice

Live updates

1. 56m ago

   South Korea Blames North Korea for DMZ Blast

   South Korea demands an apology after a landmine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone injured soldiers. Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul stated that North Korean mines caused the blast, branding it a violation of the Korean War armistice agreement and vowing a staged response. President Lee Jae Myung addressed the incident during a National Armed Forces Day speech, while pledging to seek practical ways to reduce military tensions. North Korea denied responsibility, with Kim Yo Jong dismissing the Seoul investigation as a conspiratorial farce and warning of retaliation if the South fires at border troops.

   Why it matters

   The incident highlights rising friction along the heavily fortified border as North Korea increases its front-line fortifications by adding mines and anti-tank barriers. Seoul has sought direct dialogue with Pyongyang even while demanding accountability for the border incident.

   What is confirmed

   • South Korea says a blast in the Demilitarized Zone injured soldiers and was caused by North Korean mines.
   • Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul told a parliamentary committee that the incident violated the Korean War armistice agreement.
   • North Korea denied planting the mines, with Kim Yo Jong calling the Seoul probe a conspiratorial farce and threatening retaliation.
   • President Lee Jae Myung addressed the September 21 mine blast during a speech marking National Armed Forces Day.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The landmine blast resulted in the death of two soldiers.

   What to watch next

   • Any direct military response or staged actions implemented by South Korea.
   • Further statements from Pyongyang regarding border fortification activities or the armistice.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. Reuters — South Korea says North Korean mines behind DMZ blast violated armistice
   2. Reuters — North Korea says South Korea to pay a price for shifting blame for mine blast
   3. Bloomberg.com — Kim Jong Un’s Sister Slams Seoul’s Mine Blast Probe as ‘Farce’
   4. abcnews.com — South Korea says border blasts that injured 3 officers was likely caused by North Korean mines
   5. Euronews.com — North Korean landmine blasts in DMZ a 'violation of armistice,' Seoul says
   6. BBC — South Korea demands apology from Pyongyang for landmine blasts that injured three
   7. AP News — North Korea denies planting mines that injured 3 South Korean soldiers, accuses Seoul of conspiracy
   8. The Guardian — South Korea calls for apology from North Korea after mine injures three soldiers
   9. www.stuff.co.nz — North Korea denies planting mines that injured South Korean soldiers, accuses Seoul of conspiracy | Stuff
   10. www.yahoo.com — South Korea says North Korean mines behind DMZ blast violated armistice
   11. www.asiaone.com — South Korea says North Korean mines behind DMZ blast violated armistice, Asia News - AsiaOne
   12. www.thestar.com.my — South Korea says North Korean mines behind DMZ blast violated armistice
   confidence 95%