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Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul delivers welcoming remarks during a luncheon commemorating the 78th Armed Forces Day, held at Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong Province with President Lee Jae-myung in attendance on the 1st. / Yonhap

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul declared on the 6th that all responsibility for the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) landmine explosion lies with North Korea, signaling his resolve to respond firmly.

Speaking to reporters as he left the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, that morning, Minister Kang stated, "I pray for the swift recovery of our comrades who suffered severe injuries in the landmine explosion."

He continued, "As the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced yesterday, our comrades sustained severe injuries while conducting legitimate operations due to mines installed by North Korea under the pretext of border fortification. We will stand by them so they can focus on recovery and treatment and continue their military service successfully."

Minister Kang emphasized, "Yesterday, our military carried out necessary measures, and all responsibility rests with North Korea. Our military will respond resolutely to any acts that threaten national security."

Asked whether the military directly cleared the minefields anticipating North Korea's refusal even while urging Pyongyang to remove them, Kang replied, "That is not the case." He explained, "As explained yesterday, multiple Military Demarcation Lines exist. Even to verify such matters mutually, I believe North Korea must come to the field or to the dialogue table. Operations are being carried out as the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United Nations Command continuously evaluate the situation."

In response to criticism labeling the measure a passive and defensive response, he countered, "That is not so. This marks the first such action in the history of the DMZ, and we view it as a resolute countermeasure."

                                                                                                              Lee Han-sol