The South Korean Defense Ministry has distanced itself from comments made by U.S. Forces Korea Commander Jay B. Brunson, who stated that "South Korea starts from the southern boundary of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)." On October 18, the ministry characterized Brunson's remarks as his "personal opinion" and reaffirmed its "firm stance" on the country's territorial sovereignty. The ministry added that it will continue to work closely with the United Nations Command to ensure that South Korea's exercise of sovereignty within the DMZ aligns with the UN's armistice management.
Brunson made his comments during a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., on October 14. He explained, "I manage that area (the DMZ) to maintain the armistice, so that is where South Korea begins." His remarks were interpreted as reflecting his authority over the southern DMZ region, given his dual role as the UN Commander.
In response to the ongoing controversy, the UN Command issued a statement asserting that "there is no doubt about South Korea's sovereignty" and clarified that Brunson's comments were intended to explain the responsibilities assigned to the UN Commander regarding the DMZ and the Joint Security Area (JSA) under the armistice agreement.
The UN Command emphasized that these responsibilities are of a military and administrative nature and are separate from South Korea's sovereignty.
Brunson made his comments during a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., on October 14. He explained, "I manage that area (the DMZ) to maintain the armistice, so that is where South Korea begins." His remarks were interpreted as reflecting his authority over the southern DMZ region, given his dual role as the UN Commander.
In response to the ongoing controversy, the UN Command issued a statement asserting that "there is no doubt about South Korea's sovereignty" and clarified that Brunson's comments were intended to explain the responsibilities assigned to the UN Commander regarding the DMZ and the Joint Security Area (JSA) under the armistice agreement.
The UN Command emphasized that these responsibilities are of a military and administrative nature and are separate from South Korea's sovereignty.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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