South Korean military authorities are on high alert, assessing readiness for potential landmine threats from North Korea during heavy rainfall.
Concerns have arisen following remarks by Kim Yo-jong, Vice Department Director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, regarding a “new response” to the recent leaflets sent by South Korean civilian groups. There are fears that this might indicate a landmine provocation.
“We are facing a complex crisis, with the dual threats of North Korean provocations and unpredictable natural disasters,” said Shin Won-sik, Minister of National Defense, at an emergency commanders’ meeting on July 17. He emphasized the need for commanders at all levels to maintain a vigilant stance and be thoroughly prepared.
Following the meeting, a military official suggested that North Korea might engage in unprecedented landmine provocations. Since April, North Korea has been planting tens of thousands of landmines in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is highly unusual according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
A JCS official noted, “It is estimated that there are currently hundreds of thousands of landmines planted in the DMZ, including existing mines. Some of these newly planted areas are connected to shared rivers and creeks like the Imjin River, Yeokgokcheon, Hwagang, and Inbukcheon. There is a concern that heavy rainfall could dislodge these mines, causing them to flow into South Korean territory.”
Since April, North Korea has deployed numerous troops to several front-line areas, including the 2km (1.2 mile) northern section of the DMZ, to reinforce border security, the South Korean military said. North Korea has been engaging in various activities such as creating wastelands, planting mines, strengthening tactical roads, and installing unidentified structures believed to be anti-tank barriers. This is in line with Kim Jong-un’s directive in his January speech to “take thorough measures to cut ties with South Korea.”
The problem is that North Korea’s landmine planting aimed at preventing defectors could directly harm South Korea. A South Korean military official said, “North Korea, known for its inhumane provocations, might intentionally spread mines into shared rivers to trouble our military and citizens. There have also been reports of some facilities in the front-line area being washed away recently.”
Kim Yo-jong’s statement on July 16 has further intensified concerns. She condemned the leaflet sent by South Korean civilian groups, warning that the “mode of counteraction will inevitably be changed,” suggesting that their retaliation may not be limited to using waste balloons.
There is concern that North Korea is laying landmines without sufficient safety measures. A JCS official stated, “North Korea is conducting landmine laying operations haphazardly and without proper precautions to prevent erosion, such as embankment construction.” The official added, “As a result, the likelihood of these landmines being carried downstream, whether intentionally or due to natural erosion, is higher than in previous years.”
Additionally, the military warned that North Korea is planting “leaf mines” that are difficult to distinguish visually. These mines contain around 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of explosives, with an explosive power between standard anti-personnel mines (20 grams) and box mines (70 grams). The JCS representative cautioned, “Leaf mines are hard to spot with the naked eye and may remain along riverbanks after the rains subside.” These mines are covered or wrapped with leaves, making them blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
The military also anticipates that North Korea might exploit heavy rains to conduct sudden water releases from shared rivers such as the Hwanggang Dam, Bongra Lake, Pyeonggang Dam, and Imnam Dam.
During the meeting, North Korea’s activities in the DMZ were discussed. According to the Ministry of National Defense, North Korean soldiers have continued strenuous operations amid scorching heat and monsoon rains, resulting in over ten landmine explosions and numerous casualties from heat-related illnesses.
“North Korean soldiers are working 12 to 13 hours daily without rest, living in makeshift tents, and even working through holidays and the anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s death on July 8,” said a ministry official.
Female soldiers have also been mobilized in some areas. The completion rates for wasteland creation and anti-tank barrier construction in the DMZ are approximately 10% and 1%, respectively.
BY KEUNPYUNG LEE, YOUJUNG LEE, YOUNGNAM KIM [lee.keunpyung@joongang.co.kr]
