South Korea's military has announced preliminary findings suggesting that North Korean landmines were highly likely responsible for a recent explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that injured three South Korean soldiers. Lieutenant General Kwon Dae-won, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that forensic analysis of fragments and residue from the site revealed traces of trinitrotoluene and brown synthetic material, consistent with North Korean antipersonnel landmines that use plastic resin. The blast occurred about 10 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and approximately 10 meters from an area where North Korea is suspected of having planted mines.
The investigation, conducted jointly with the UN Command, concluded that the evidence strongly points to North Korean landmines based on the blast crater, flame patterns, and the extent of injuries. The military also noted that there were no records of South Korean mines in the area, and signs of North Korean mine-laying activity had been detected nearby in September 2025. One unexploded mine was reportedly spotted by retreating soldiers, suggesting a total of three mines were at the site.
Kwon emphasized that if the final investigation confirms North Korea's responsibility, it would constitute a clear attack, and Pyongyang would be held "fully" accountable. The military vowed to take "appropriate and corresponding measures." This incident would mark the first time South Korean military personnel have been injured by North Korean mines in the DMZ since August 2015, an event that led to the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea. The Defense Ministry has indicated that all policy options remain open for a response.
