North Korea has accused South Korean forces of firing shots at its soldiers near the border. The North Korean government warned that this incident could escalate tensions, making it difficult to control the situation. According to Lieutenant General Jong Chol of the North Korean army, the clash occurred on Tuesday while North Korean soldiers were working to permanently seal the border. South Korea has not yet confirmed this event.
The recent incident follows a similar clash in April when South Korean forces fired upon 10 North Korean soldiers. South Korea stated that the soldiers were attempting to cross the border, leading to the warning shots. These soldiers were observed in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two countries, an area with numerous landmines and dense forests.
In October 2024, North Korea announced plans to completely close its southern border. Shortly after, it detonated roads and railway routes connecting the North and South, though these had fallen into disuse. North Korea has now stated that it will respond if South Korea interferes with its border-sealing efforts.
Border disputes and non-violent clashes are not uncommon between the two Koreas. Last year, North Korea sent thousands of balloons carrying trash towards the South, in retaliation for anti-North Korean propaganda balloons launched by South Korean activists.
In response, South Korea played K-pop songs and international news broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border, the first time in six years. North Korea also played strange sounds across the border, causing discomfort among South Korean citizens. After Lee Jae-myung was elected South Korea’s president in June, broadcasting in the DMZ was halted, and North Korean soldiers removed their speakers from the border.
President Lee has pledged to continue unconditional dialogue with North Korea. Last week, he mentioned that his administration will consistently take steps to reduce tensions and build trust. However, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that North Korea has no interest in improving relations with South Korea. The two Koreas are technically still at war, as the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
