South Korea seeks North Korea apology after mine blast confirms explosives planted in DMZ

South Korea is weighing new actions to force an apology from North Korea after a joint investigation confirmed Pyongyang planted landmines in the border zone that injured three soldiers.

A South Korean-United Nations probe concluded on Monday that two explosives detonated last month were buried by North Korean forces about a year ago. The UN Command stated the placement violated the 1953 Armistice Agreement. Seoul has demanded an official apology and ordered Pyongyang to clear any remaining explosives from the southern side of the military demarcation line.

Pyongyang has rejected the accusations. Kim Yo Jong dismissed the demand and warned the North would define its borders by force rather than negotiation.

Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul said the military will respond firmly to any threats. “All responsibility lies with North Korea,” Kang told reporters, adding that armed forces would take decisive action if national security is endangered.

South Korea’s troops began clearing mines south of the border line on Tuesday. Officials warned they will continue the sweep if Pyongyang refuses to remove the explosives. Diplomatic efforts have stalled after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young proposed a joint survey of the boundary on October 2. Only about 200 of 1,292 original markers remain, and both sides disagree on roughly 60 percent of the coordinates. Kim dismissed the plan as a wild dream.

Defence Ministry spokeswoman Chung Bin-na said officials are exploring additional steps to secure a response from the North.