Investigation Into DMZ Explosive Tunnel to Guide South Korea’s Response

South Korea’s leader, President Lee Jae‑myung, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the September 21 explosion that rocked a tunnel inside the demilitarised zone. The blast, which occurred while troops were clearing a suspected infiltration route, injured three soldiers – two severely and one slightly.

In a cabinet gathering, Lee demanded that the Republic of Korea Armed Forces cooperate fully with the United Nations Command to uncover the cause of the blast. Early army assessments pointed to a high likelihood that the detonation originated from a North Korean‑constructed explosive tunnel, based on the detection of TNT residues and distinctive synthetic material.

The incident took place roughly 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line, where investigators believe three tunnels were present, two of which exploded. Lee conveyed his sympathy to the wounded personnel and their relatives, wishing them prompt healing.

He warned against the spread of unverified conspiracy narratives and called for national unity on security issues. Defence Minister Kang Shin‑chul added that a confirmed link to North Korean tunnel activity would trigger an appropriate and measured response. Lee also stressed the importance of bolstering South Korea’s defence posture through home‑grown advanced weaponry, including nuclear‑propelled submarines and hypersonic missiles.