New Defense Minister Urges N. Korea to Halt Border-Hardening

In a press conference following his inauguration, South Korea's new Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul urged North Korea to cease its border-hardening measures. This statement came after a landmine explosion south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) injured three South Korean military officers.

The explosion, which is suspected to have been caused by a landmine illegally planted by North Korea, has raised concerns about the potential dangers of increased militarization along the inter-Korean border. Kang emphasized the need for South Korea to respond firmly to such provocations, stating, "We do not tiptoe around Pyongyang's actions."

Kang also highlighted the ongoing investigation into the explosion, noting that the military has not yet confirmed whether the incident occurred in an area known for North Korean mine-laying activities. He mentioned that difficult terrain has hindered visibility at the explosion site, complicating the investigation.

The new minister, a retired four-star general, underscored the importance of mutual trust between South Korea and the United States, especially regarding the transition of wartime operational control. He indicated that he might visit Washington soon to discuss defense matters further.