South Korea has demanded that North Korea immediately stop its border fortification activities after an investigation into a recent landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) found what the United Nations Command described as an armistice violation.

The latest development has increased tensions along the heavily militarized border between the two Koreas, with Seoul also demanding an apology and responsible measures from Pyongyang.

Three South Korean Soldiers Injured

The dispute follows a September 21 explosion during a South Korean military search operation south of the Military Demarcation Line.

Three South Korean soldiers were injured in the blast, with two reported to have suffered critical injuries. A joint investigation by the South Korean military and the United Nations Command subsequently identified an active North Korean anti-personnel mine on the South Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line.

The investigation into the explosions remains ongoing.

UN Command Finds Armistice Violation

The United Nations Command said its investigation determined that an Armistice Agreement violation had occurred after an active North Korean mine was discovered south of the Military Demarcation Line.

The command said it would address the matter through established mechanisms under the Korean Armistice Agreement and emphasized its role in maintaining stability on the peninsula.

South Korea’s military has described North Korea’s recent mine-laying and fortification activities as a serious escalation along the border.

Seoul Calls for an End to Fortification Work

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff called on Pyongyang to immediately halt activities associated with strengthening its border defenses.

The reported work includes the installation of mines and other defensive structures near the Military Demarcation Line. Seoul has warned that continued construction could further increase military tensions between the two countries.

South Korean officials have also said North Korea should apologize for the mine incident and take appropriate measures.

North Korea Rejects the Accusations

North Korea has denied responsibility for the mine blast.

Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, rejected South Korea’s findings and accused Seoul of fabricating the investigation. She also warned that North Korean forces would respond if South Korean troops used live ammunition against personnel involved in border fortification work.

The conflicting claims have added to uncertainty over the circumstances surrounding the mine explosions.

Border Remains Highly Sensitive

The Korean DMZ remains one of the world’s most heavily fortified military boundaries. Military activities in the area are governed by the 1953 Armistice Agreement, making developments involving mines, barriers and troop movements particularly sensitive.

The discovery of an active mine on the southern side of the Military Demarcation Line has therefore become both a security and diplomatic issue.

Risk of Further Tension

The latest confrontation comes as South Korea and North Korea remain divided over military activities and border security.

Seoul has called for restraint and an end to actions that could increase tensions, while Pyongyang has warned against interference with its border construction.

With both sides maintaining heightened military readiness, the latest dispute is being closely monitored for signs of further escalation on the Korean Peninsula.