The key facts

  • Jin Yong Sung rejected Pyongyang's accusations of escalation after a mine explosion on September 21; three South Korean servicemen were injured
  • Kim Yo Jong warned of the possible resumption of propaganda broadcasts and new weapons near the border
  • The incident heightened tensions around the DMZ

Command Order

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea, General Jin Yong Sung, on Tuesday, October 20, ordered troops to respond decisively to any DPRK provocations. The directive was issued during a visit to a front-line military unit in the central part of the front, Yonhap News Agency reports. He instructed to respond firmly to further provocations and violations of the armistice agreement, including crossings of the Military Demarcation Line.

Dispute Over Blame for Escalation

Jin Yong Sung rejected Pyongyang's accusation that Seoul was allegedly responsible for the rise in tensions after the explosion of an anti-personnel mine on September 21, in which three South Korean servicemen were injured. According to him, the DPRK's attempt to portray legitimate South Korean military operations as provocations is unacceptable. He called the explosion of a mine planted by the North Korean side an obvious provocation and a violation of the armistice.

Kim Yo Jong's Statement

The day before, on Monday, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned that Pyongyang could resume loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts and deploy additional tactical strike weapons along the border. She accused Seoul of using warning shots and broadcasts to obstruct the strengthening of the North Korean border.

Context

The incident heightened tensions around the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas. Formally, the countries remain in a state of war: the Korean War of 1950–1953 ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.