The United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea has begun an investigation into the violation of the armistice agreement due to North Korea’s military demarcation line (MDL) intrusion and South Korea’s loudspeaker broadcasts in North Korea.
The United Nations Command (UNC) stated that it takes its mission seriously and diligently investigates recent issues. It added that its actions strictly follow the Armistice Agreement as it works towards de-escalating the situation to ensure peace and stability in the region. The UNC continues to call on the DPRK to return to dialogue using established mechanisms.
The recent issues under investigation by the UNC include the intrusion of the MDL by the North Korean military and our military’s loudspeaker broadcasts in North Korea. On the 9th, around 12:30 in the afternoon, some North Korean soldiers who were working with tools such as hoes in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) violated the MDL. Although they retreated north after the South Korean military’s warning broadcast and warning shots, there have been speculations that they were trying to provoke a localized conflict.
Moreover, North Korea has diversified its provocations by launching over 1,600 propaganda balloons toward South Korea between the 28th of last month and the 9th of this month and concurrently conducting GPS jamming attacks.
In response, our military installed loudspeakers and broadcasted in North Korea on the 9th, the first time in six years since the broadcasts were discontinued in 2018. The military has completed the fixed loudspeaker installation in the front-line areas and is ready to broadcast anytime. However, it was reported that no additional broadcasts had been made since the one on the 9th.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense stated, “We are in close communication with the UNC regarding the current situation.” They argued, “The loudspeaker broadcasts are measures of self-defense against North Korea’s provocations and are not restricted by the armistice agreement.” Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeon Ha Kyu stated at a regular briefing that day, “We will actively support the UNC if necessary.”
The UNC has clearly stated that North Korea’s propaganda balloon launches toward South Korea on the 30th of last month were a violation of the armistice agreement, and it is currently conducting an investigation.
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