The Defense Ministry officially proposed military talks with North Korea on October 23 to mutually confirm the precise location of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and discuss the restoration of military communication lines and measures to prevent accidental clashes in border areas. The ministry indicated that a three-party meeting, including the United Nations Command, could be possible if necessary.
Kim Hong-cheol, head of the Defense Policy Office, stated during a briefing that "the differing perceptions regarding some locations of the military demarcation line still exist," adding, "Without special measures, soldiers will operate based on their own understanding of the locations, which increases the risk of accidental clashes."
The ministry has been closely monitoring North Korean military activities, including the construction of tactical roads and barbed wire fences near the MDL and the laying of landmines, as well as incidents of crossing the MDL. It noted that it had proposed military talks last November to resolve differences in perceptions regarding the MDL, but North Korea did not respond.
Kim also referenced the investigation into a landmine explosion that injured South Korean soldiers during a search operation in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21. He explained that the investigation confirmed that the explosion was related to landmines laid by North Korea south of the MDL.
He emphasized that given the current military standoff at the MDL, if such situations continue to be neglected, it is difficult to predict what other incidents may arise, stating, "The anticipated damage will not be limited to one side."
The ministry explained that the recent increase in North Korean activities near the MDL and the South Korean military's warning broadcasts and warning shots are related to the differing perceptions of the MDL.
The agenda for the proposed talks includes mutual confirmation of the precise location of the MDL, restoration of military communication lines, and measures to prevent accidental clashes in border areas.
Kim stated, "If necessary, a three-party meeting including the United Nations Command is possible," adding that specific schedules and locations could be discussed through Panmunjom. He expressed hope for a positive response from the North.
Meanwhile, Kim Yo-jong, the deputy director of the Workers' Party of Korea, inspected the so-called 'border fortification' construction site in the border area with Park Jeong-cheon, a senior advisor to the Ministry of National Defense, early on October 21. In a statement that day, she revealed the site visit and emphasized the need to solidify the border in accordance with Kim Jong-un's directive.
Kim also announced that psychological warfare loudspeakers targeting South Korea would be operational along the entire border by the end of October, indicating a resumption of broadcasts aimed at the South. She claimed this was a response to the South's warning broadcasts and warning shots. Additionally, recent movements by North Korean troops to maintain existing loudspeakers aimed at the South have been detected.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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