🇰🇷Week of September 28

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that a North Korean anti-personnel landmine was discovered during an on-site investigation at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where a landmine explosion occurred. The military authorities stated that the discovery constitutes a violation of the Armistice Agreement. The additional mine was identified as a North Korean anti-personnel landmine.1234

The ruling and opposition parties are engaged in a war of nerves over the appropriate level of response to the incident. The military authorities' confirmation of the landmine discovery and their characterization of it as an Armistice Agreement violation have intensified the political debate. The parties differ on how strongly South Korea should react.3

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul faced questions regarding the situation. A photo shows him responding to queries, highlighting the government's engagement with the issue.5

A North Korean wooden anti-personnel mine was found at the site of a mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone during a third day of on-site investigation, and military authorities said the type differs from what soldiers had described in their statements. General Kang Shin-chul said the incident is a clear violation of the armistice agreement and that South Korea will take corresponding measures.123

Asked whether the mine might have been a lost or displaced device, Kang said it was a planted mine and estimated it is related to the fortification of the border line.4

A North Korean vice foreign minister addressed the United Nations and said the country's status as a nuclear-armed state cannot be reversed. The speech was North Korea's second consecutive year of delivering a UN address. The official did not mention dialogue between North Korea and the United States.123

The North Korean representative accused the United States of being the main culprit in nuclear proliferation. The speech also said a nuclear submarine would fulfill South Korea's nuclear ambitions, and it justified North Korea's nuclear program. The remarks were interpreted as being aimed at nuclear disarmament negotiations.124

The North Korean statement at the UN that denuclearization is not possible was characterized as an attempt by Trump to seize the initiative. The address was seen as a preemptive move in the context of potential nuclear talks.5

The United States has indicated it is willing to ease sanctions if Iran makes concessions on its nuclear program, with the two sides negotiating through mediator countries. Iran is awaiting a final US response, and the talks are at a critical juncture. Discussions have focused on a seven-day ceasefire proposal, with the main gap between the two sides being the Strait of Hormuz versus the nuclear issue.1234

Iran has conveyed its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the United States through Qatar. A Saudi oil pipeline has resumed operations. Iran's chief negotiator warned that regional infrastructure would be struck if safety is not guaranteed.567

Iran, waiting for the US reply, said that if it cannot sell oil, no one will be able to. The negotiations are continuing through mediator countries.36

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Ukraine has not yet provided an official response to its demand for an apology over the public disclosure of North Korean prisoner repatriation. The ministry added that communication channels with Ukraine remain open.12

A report said Ukraine had requested that the repatriation be kept private before Zelensky publicly disclosed it, and that a ministerial consultation took place. Ukrainian media also criticized the disclosure as a diplomatic misstep.34

One report claimed that Zelensky disclosed the North Korean prisoner repatriation as retaliation after failing to obtain Patriot missiles from South Korea.5