Political tensions escalated as lawmakers clashed over the military's response to a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21. The opposition accused the military of failing to act appropriately despite detecting signs of North Korean landmine placement, demanding accountability and decisive measures against the North. The ruling party defended its actions, stating that investigations were conducted with safety in mind to prevent further incidents, and refuted claims that political considerations delayed the investigation and announcement.
During a Defense Committee meeting on September 29, opposition members scrutinized the military's characterization of signs detected in the area last September as 'topographical changes.' They argued that using vague terminology downplayed the seriousness of the situation, which raised suspicions of North Korean landmine placement.
Representative Yoo Young-ha of the People Power Party questioned, "Why not use the term 'area suspected of enemy landmine placement'? If confirmed, it could be labeled as a landmine area." He pressed for details on the military's actions following the detection of signs last September.
Another party member, Seong Il-jong, criticized the military for using political language in reporting landmine placement as topographical changes, asserting that reports to the public should be clear and concise. He also claimed that the military's delayed investigation heightened public distrust and risked evidence loss.
The discussion also addressed operational readiness and the military's explanation following the incident. Representative Lim Jong-deuk questioned whether adequate preparations were made when deploying troops to the hazardous area, citing issues with operational planning and securing on-site footage. Representative Han Gi-ho criticized the military's limited media responses, which he believed fueled suspicions.
Concerns were raised about the possibility of North Korea intentionally placing landmines. Representative Yoo Yong-won pointed out that two suspected exploded landmines and additional unexploded ones reported by soldiers were found clustered within a narrow area of about 4 meters, suggesting deliberate placement rather than loss.
Representative Cheon Ha-ram of the Reform Party alleged that the military could have suspected North Korean landmines from the outset but delayed announcements, questioning whether this was linked to President Lee's schedule at the UN General Assembly. He expressed concern that the president's political agenda might take precedence over national security, suggesting that if North Korea intentionally placed landmines south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), it indicated malice.
The Democratic Party maintained that the military's response was appropriate, considering the risks on-site and the investigation process, labeling the opposition's criticisms as political attacks.
Representative Hwang Myeong-seon of the Democratic Party pointed out that the investigation team discovered additional landmines on-site, arguing that demanding immediate troop deployment without ensuring safety ignored the risk of further incidents. He emphasized that the military should firmly address political demands for immediate action in such unstable conditions, noting that perceptions of delayed military response were spreading due to some political claims.
Representative Kim Seong-hoe of the Democratic Party countered allegations of investigation delays or cover-ups aimed at protecting North Korea, stating that undermining military trust jeopardizes national security. He highlighted the need for careful determination of the timing and circumstances of landmine placement before taking appropriate action, given that the incident site required new search routes.
In response to suspicions that the military delayed investigations or announcements due to the president's UN schedule, Representative Park Seon-won of the Democratic Party refuted these claims, noting that the military had been monitoring the area since last September and had been preparing for on-site investigations with the UN Command since early this year.
He explained that after the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the UN Command scheduled a joint investigation for September 28-29, the 25th Division conducted a pre-search operation on the 21st. Park argued that if political considerations regarding the president's UN speech were a factor, the investigation schedule would have been postponed or completed earlier.
Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol addressed concerns regarding North Korea's landmine placement south of the MDL, stating it constitutes a violation of the armistice agreement. However, he noted the need for further verification to determine whether the landmines were intended to harm South Korean troops or were part of North Korea's border fortification efforts.
Kang emphasized that allegations of investigation delays or cover-ups were unfounded, stating, "This is an investigation, but it is also a military operation," asserting that the military's assessment was not a cover-up or delay. Regarding potential responses to North Korea, he indicated that such matters are also operational and could not be disclosed in detail.
Following the meeting, the Defense Committee plans to pursue a resolution condemning North Korea after discussions between the two parties.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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