North Korea reiterates rejection of dialogue and fortification of the border after DMZ landmine incident

Kim Yojong, head of the General Affairs Department of the Workers' Party of Korea, rejected dialogue with South Korea over the landmine incident in the DMZ along the western front and again emphasized the policy of fortifying the border. She said the purpose of North Korea's measures is to cut off interKorean contact so that it will not have to face South Korea. Since the end of last month, North Korea has issued a series of statements criticizing the South Korean military's explanation and dismissing the government's proposal to ease tensions. As North Korea has been increasing landmines, barbed wire, barriers, and other defenses near the Military Demarcation Line, there are concerns that this, combined with the recent incident, is heightening military tensions between the two Koreas. Experts said North Korea's stance of 'hostile two states' is placing a burden on peace on the Korean Peninsula. The government is expected to manage the situation in a way that prevents escalation while maintaining channels for dialogue.