Seoul:North Korea appears surprised by South Korea's findings that blame Pyongyang for a recent mine explosion near the inter-Korean border, according to Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul. The blast severely injured two South Korean soldiers.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea has denied responsibility, calling South Korea's investigation a "farce" and accusing it of fabricating results to shift blame. This response came a day after South Korea's military concluded that the mines were deliberately planted by North Korean troops.
The South Korean military conducted an operation to remove additional mines from the site following the blast. Kang noted that North Korea's statement, issued by its foreign ministry, came a day after South Korea's announcement, which is slower than its usual swift responses.
Experts suggest that the choice to issue the statement through the foreign ministry indicates an attempt by Pyongyang to moderate its rhetoric, avoiding harsher commentary from figures like Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kang also assured that all mines in the area have now been cleared.