Seoul, October 21, 2026 : South Korea’s Defense Ministry has expressed serious concern over what it described as North Korea’s escalation of tensions along their shared border through military threats and criticism of Seoul’s operations following a landmine explosion that injured South Korean soldiers last month.
In a statement, the ministry criticised remarks by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, regarding South Korea’s military activities, warning that her comments risked further escalating tensions.
The ministry defended its military’s warning broadcasts and warning shots near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), describing them as lawful defensive measures under the Korean Armistice Agreement. It said the measures were intended to prevent North Korean troops from crossing the demarcation line and to respond to any violations.
North Korea had warned on Monday, through Kim Yo-jong, that the situation along its southern border was “very unstable.”
The latest exchange follows a landmine explosion last month that injured three South Korean soldiers, including two who sustained serious injuries.
Pyongyang has repeatedly denied responsibility for the incident and rejected the findings of Seoul’s investigation, which concluded that the explosion was caused by landmines deliberately planted by North Korea.
Source: QNA
