South Korean President Lee Visits Soldiers Injured in DMZ Landmine Blast

Lee made the unannounced visit to a military hospital on Wednesday, where he met the wounded soldiers and their family members, offering them words of encouragement, presidential spokesperson Kim Sung-wan said.

Three South Korean soldiers were injured in two separate mine explosions on September 21 on the southern side of the DMZ, the heavily fortified buffer zone separating North and South Korea. Two of the soldiers suffered serious injuries.

A joint investigation by the South Korean military and the United Nations Command concluded that the mines had been planted by North Korean forces. The UNC described the planting of the mines as a violation of the armistice agreement that brought an end to the 1950-53 Korean War.

North Korea has rejected the findings. Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, dismissed the investigation and accused South Korea of deliberately producing what she described as a fabricated conclusion.

During his hospital visit, Lee urged the injured soldiers to concentrate on their recovery and assured them that the government would provide necessary assistance for their treatment and rehabilitation. He also said support would be extended to those who wish to continue their military service.

Lee specifically asked officials to examine whether the wounded soldiers were eligible for appropriate compensation and instructed them to ensure that they receive adequate financial support. He said providing proper compensation was also important for maintaining morale within the armed forces.

The President further directed officials to review additional assistance available to the injured soldiers and communicate the results to their families.

The hospital visit was kept away from the media and no photographs were released, with the presidential office saying the decision was made out of consideration for the young children of the wounded soldiers.

According to Kim, the injured soldiers expressed their desire to remain in military service despite their injuries, saying they wanted to continue contributing to the country in whatever role they could.