Presidential office seeks talks over UN DMZ stance

Dec 18, 2025, 09:54 am

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Kim Hyun-jong, first deputy director of the National Security Office (right), visits the Demilitarized Zone after the United Nations Command granted him access on December 17. / Source: United Nations Command Facebook

The presidential office said on December 18 that it is holding close consultations centered on the National Security Council (NSC) after the United Nations Command (UNC) expressed opposition to a proposed law on access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

“We are maintaining close coordination and exchanging views to seek solutions to issues on the Korean Peninsula through consultations led by the NSC,” the presidential office said in a statement.

The proposed legislation, titled the Act on the Peaceful Use of the DMZ, was introduced by lawmakers from the Democratic Party. The bill would allow the South Korean government to approve access to DMZ areas south of the Military Demarcation Line.

The UNC on the previous day posted a statement on its website titled “Authorities and Procedures of the Military Armistice Commission,” asserting that authority over access control in the DMZ south of the demarcation line rests exclusively with the UNC under the Armistice Agreement. It is unusual for the UNC to issue a public statement on a specific legislative issue.

The UNC said that civil administration and relief projects in the DMZ south of the Military Demarcation Line fall under the responsibility of the UNC commander. Citing Article 1, Paragraph 9 of the Armistice Agreement, it added that no military personnel or civilians may enter the DMZ except those involved in civil administration and relief activities or those who have obtained specific permission from the Military Armistice Commission.

The statement further explained that the Military Armistice Commission carefully reviews requests for movement within the DMZ in accordance with established procedures, deciding whether to approve or deny access to ensure that such movement is not perceived as provocative and does not endanger the safety of personnel or visitors.

The UNC also said it ultimately hopes for the conclusion of a permanent peace treaty and will continue efforts to maintain the armistice and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the UNC said on December 17 via social media that it had approved DMZ access for Kim Hyun-jong, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Security Office. The approval came after Kim had previously been denied entry, a move that had drawn criticism from Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who linked the issue to concerns over territorial sovereignty. Observers said the UNC’s public disclosure of the approval appeared aimed at addressing the controversy.

#United Nations Command #DMZ law #National Security Council #Armistice Agreement #Kim Hyun-jong