Seoul:South Korea will persist with necessary actions based on clear principles following a recent mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), According to country's top security adviser. The incident involved the detonation of North Korean land mines in September, injuring three South Korean soldiers, two of them seriously.
According to Yonhap News Agency, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac addressed the issue at a press briefing, emphasizing the government's commitment to establishing peace that negates the need for conflict. Wi highlighted that South Korea has demanded an apology from North Korea, conducted mine removal at the incident site, and maintained military readiness through a hypersonic missile test.
The adviser also noted South Korea's repeated proposals for military talks with North Korea to address uncertainties surrounding the Military Demarcation Line. Despite these efforts, North Korea denies responsibility for the explosion and accuses South Korea of heightening tensions by firing warning shots at North Korean troops.
In other developments, Wi discussed South Korea's ongoing efforts to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) of its troops. The government anticipates a significant outcome on this matter during upcoming talks with U.S. defense ministers in December and the Security Consultative Meeting early next year. The Lee Jae Myung administration aims to achieve OPCON transfer from the United States by 2030.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Wi mentioned South Korea's consideration of enhancing its Cheonghae Unit to ensure freedom of navigation, though no final decision has been made. The focus will remain on protecting South Korean vessels, crude oil routes, and nationals.
Moreover, despite diplomatic tensions with Ukraine, South Korea will continue international efforts to assist Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. The tensions arose after Ukraine disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, which Seoul had intended to keep confidential.