South Korea Urges North to Halt Violations of Armistice Agreement

The South Korean government expressed serious concern over threats from Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, regarding the potential reinforcement of tactical strike capabilities near the military demarcation line (MDL) and the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at South Korea. The government also urged an immediate halt to violations of the armistice agreement.

In a statement on October 20, the Defense Ministry said, "We express grave concern over Deputy Director Kim's criticism of our military's legitimate operations under the armistice agreement and the military threats that escalate tensions."

The ministry emphasized that the warning broadcasts and warning shots conducted by South Korean forces near the MDL are legitimate defensive measures aimed at preventing incursions by North Korean troops and expelling any that do cross the line.

The Defense Ministry warned, "We will continue to respond consistently to violations of the armistice agreement by North Korean forces in accordance with our principles, and we will respond decisively if North Korea uses our legitimate actions as a pretext for further provocations."

The ministry called on North Korea to cease its incursions across the MDL and to engage in efforts to resolve differences in perception regarding the line.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung also criticized Kim's remarks during an operational command meeting at the 5th Army Corps, labeling them as "a blame-shifting tactic." He instructed that if North Korea conducts further provocations, a decisive response should be implemented along with operations to strengthen control over the demilitarized zone (DMZ).

The Unification Ministry also commented on Kim's statements, stating, "To ease tensions and stabilize the situation between the two Koreas, there must be mutual respect and consideration, rather than unilateral warnings and threats."

The ministry insisted that North Korea's actions violating the armistice agreement near the MDL must cease immediately and emphasized the need to align both sides' positions on the MDL to fundamentally resolve issues of tension and conflict, as well as to establish a communication system for peaceful management as soon as possible.

Additionally, a Unification Ministry official stated that if North Korea resumes loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at the South, they plan to responsibly review necessary measures in close cooperation with the Defense Ministry and other relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, North Korea's recent statements are interpreted as an attempt to bolster the legitimacy of their "border line work" and to intimidate South Korean forces into hesitating in their normal responses.

Previously, Kim stated in a speech titled "We Do Not Speak of Sovereignty" that from August 1 to October 17, South Korean forces conducted 2,870 loudspeaker warning broadcasts and 201 warning shots.

He further threatened, "We are reviewing the reinforcement of tactical strike capabilities near the southern border and the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at South Korea, warning that Seoul will face risks that are difficult to manage due to the reckless bravado of military thugs."