Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, called for a strong response on September 23 regarding the explosion of a suspected landmine during a search operation in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), stating it was "not an accident but a clear provocation from North Korea." He criticized reports that President Yoon Suk Yeol is considering the establishment of a 'Special Investigation Team for Insurrection' after returning from a trip to the U.S. and Mexico, claiming it was an attempt to pressure Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
During an emergency press conference at the National Assembly, Jang stated, "As the leader of the opposition, I urgently wanted to visit the DMZ explosion site, but the Ministry of National Defense refused my request." He alleged that there are signs of the military downplaying the number of explosions and injuries, demanding transparency regarding the circumstances of the search operation, the activities of North Korean troops at the time, and the situation on the ground.
He asserted, "It is clear that the landmine is a wooden box mine. The explosion site is not an area suspected of containing landmines, but rather a relatively safe location managed by the military." He claimed that South Korean troops were injured by wooden box mines secretly planted by North Korea. Jang urged the Ministry of National Defense and the military to immediately announce the results of their investigation so far and to take strong measures, including resuming psychological warfare broadcasts against North Korea.
Regarding the consideration of establishing a special investigation team for insurrection, Jang criticized, "This is yet another attempt to divert public attention using a worn-out insurrection card." He added, "This is the last-ditch effort of the president to block the resumption of his trial," questioning, "How long will they continue to talk about insurrection?"
Jang continued, "After a year and a half of the insurrection special investigation, what evidence is there that any insurrection forces remain? Talking about insurrection will not bring back support from the base." He warned that if they push for the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho, there will be nothing left except for the resumption of the trial and the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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