"I Will Go to the Tongil Jeonmangdae"... Military Fires Warning Shots at 'Reckless' Motorcycle Men

Three Men on Motorcycles Cause Disturbance at Jejin Checkpoint
Sentinel Fires Warning Shots Twice to Restrain

Men riding motorcycles caused a commotion by trying to forcibly pass through the military checkpoint without prior entry approval, claiming they wanted to go to the Unification Observatory located north of the Civilian Control Line (CCL). Ultimately, the sentry fired warning shots into the ground to stop them.

According to Yonhap News and military authorities on the 25th, around noon, three unidentified men riding two motorcycles visited the Jejin checkpoint in Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province. They attempted to pass through the checkpoint, saying they wanted to go to the Unification Observatory. The sentries informed them that motorcycles are restricted from entry according to regulations and that prior application to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Entry Office is required to pass through the checkpoint. It was confirmed that they had not filed any prior notification with the DMZ Entry Office.

The view of National Route 7 leading to Jejin Checkpoint in Goseong, Gangwon Province
[Photo by Yonhap News]

However, despite the sentries’ explanation, the men refused to accept it and repeatedly insisted on entering. Consequently, the sentries fired warning shots twice into the ground to stop them.

A military official explained, "We politely informed them several times that entry was not possible, but since they continued to try to enter, we fired warning shots downward. We lawfully restrained them and responded according to protocol."

The military authorities judged the men’s actions as threatening the sentries and plan to investigate them under the Military Criminal Act.

The Unification Observatory, located 88 km north of the 38th parallel north, is the northernmost observatory in South Korea. It offers views of Mount Kumgang and the East Sea, making it a popular destination for displaced persons as well as tourists.