North Korea denounces Seoul over DMZ mine blast apology demand

North Korea has lashed out at South Korea, calling the country 'despicable' for demanding an apology over a landmine explosion in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that wounded three South Korean soldiers. Seoul and the United Nations Command attributed the blast to mines planted by the North, a claim Pyongyang flatly rejected.

The incident, which occurred in the heavily fortified border region separating the two Koreas, has heightened tensions on the peninsula. South Korean officials stated that the evidence clearly pointed to North Korean responsibility for the mines, prompting calls for accountability from the Seoul government.

Pyongyang's denial came amid broader accusations from the North that Seoul was using the incident for propaganda purposes. The North Korean response underscores the persistent military friction that characterizes the relationship between the two countries, with the DMZ remaining one of the world's most volatile borders.

The three wounded soldiers were evacuated and treated for their injuries. Military officials from South Korea and the UN Command said they were investigating the full circumstances of the explosion and reviewing security protocols along the DMZ.