Military to Launch Joint On-Site Investigation into DMZ Mine Explosion Tomorrow

Independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon claimed on the 26th that the military will launch a joint on-site investigation into the landmine explosion site in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Paju on the 27th. He made the announcement at a press conference in front of the Defense Ministry building in Yongsan.

On the 21st, two explosions believed to have been caused by landmines occurred during a search operation, leaving two servicemen seriously injured — including the search battalion commander, whose ankle was severed — and one with minor injuries. According to Rep. Han, U.N. Forces Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson ordered a swift investigation on the day of the accident, the 21st.

Following that directive, the U.N. Command's Military Armistice Commission visited the 25th Division on the 22nd, requesting the sharing of materials, body camera footage, and interviews with the injured, as well as access to the site — but the South Korean military refused. Rep. Han said, "The U.N. Command pressed for a swift on-site investigation, but due to opposition from the South Korean military, it was agreed that the joint investigation would take place on the 29th, after the Chuseok holiday." He added that as public suspicions grew, the investigation schedule was moved up to the 27th.

Rep. Han also argued that the materials the military handed over to the U.N. Command were insufficient. He claimed that although the U.N. Command repeatedly requested body camera footage, the South Korean military provided only one very short clip believed to show the aftermath of the explosion.

He further claimed that the military's explanation of the accident site differs from what the U.S. side has determined. According to him, the military initially said the accident occurred 30 to 50 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), but the U.S. appears to believe the explosion took place at a location even closer to the MDL.

"Refusing the U.N. Command's specific requests is not something that could happen at the level of the 25th Division commander," Rep. Han said, urging a full disclosure of who made the decision — whether it was the defense minister, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the presidential security office, or the president himself. He vowed to pursue accountability to the end.