People Power Party: "Government's Denial of North Korean Landmine Incident Is a Result of Caving In"

The People Power Party (PPP) on the 30th characterized Kim Yo-jong, North Korea's Workers' Party department director, rejecting outright the South Korean military's announcement that a recent explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ, a buffer zone where both Koreas hold their forces back a set distance) was caused by a North Korean landmine (a weapon buried underground and detonated) as "the result of the government watching North Korea's reaction," and urged an immediate response.

PPP spokesperson Ham In-kyung criticized how ruling party figures perceived the incident in a statement issued on the 30th. "Democratic Party National Defense Committee chairman Jin Sung-joon took a cautious stance on a military response, saying the mine-laying by North Korea may have been for defensive purposes, and Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul also said no intent to harm our troops had been confirmed," she said, adding, "These are anti-personnel mines designed to explode when stepped on. Is now really the time to pander to North Korea's tone and inner thoughts?"

Rep. Na Kyung-won called for a complete overhaul of policy toward North Korea, comparing the situation to "opening the back door for a thief and even making excuses on his behalf," and argued, "We should fully resume the loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflet launches toward North Korea, and also restart beheading exercises targeting Kim Jong-un." When Democratic Party chief spokesperson Park Sung-joon dismissed this as "classic Na Kyung-won remarks," Rep. Na shot back: "Even after a North Korean mine blew off the leg of one of our young men, they are busy only minding Kim Jong-un's feelings."

Rep. Kim Yong-tae, whose district covers the border-adjacent areas of Pocheon and Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province, also said, "When it comes to this provocation at least, I hope the government will not watch North Korea's reaction but respond with responsible action."