North Korea Notifies UNC of "Border Fortification Work" Including Fences in DMZ Area

Ministry of National Defense:
"Possible Message for Easing Tensions,
But Premature to Draw Conclusions"

It has been confirmed that North Korea recently notified the United Nations Command (UNC) of its intention to resume so-called "border fortification work," including the installation of fences and barriers near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which began in April last year.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on June 30, North Korea informed the UNC on June 25 that it would resume such activities within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The Ministry stated, "It is true that North Korea issued a related notification on the 25th."

Since last year, North Korea has been constructing anti-tank barriers, fences, and laying mines in areas near the MDL and on the northern side of the DMZ. This is intended to turn the armistice line into a national border, reflecting North Korea's perception of inter-Korean relations as those between two hostile states. North Korea had carried out large-scale construction work from April last year, suspended it around December during the winter, and is reported to have resumed these activities from March this spring.

Yonhap News

Lee Sungjun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated at a regular briefing on this day, "Since the latter part of last week, the North Korean military has resumed work in the border areas, deploying about 1,000 workers per day," and added, "The South Korean military is closely monitoring North Korean activities and will respond in accordance with established principles should there be any violations of the MDL."

The government is closely watching North Korea's intentions in notifying the UNC at a time when a new administration has just taken office. Some analysts suggest that, similar to North Korea's suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts towards the South in response to the earlier halt of anti-North Korean broadcasts, this move may be aimed at easing military tensions.

An official from the Ministry of National Defense stated, "North Korea's notification could be interpreted as a meaningful message related to easing inter-Korean tensions, but it is too early to draw conclusions," and added, "Our military will continue efforts to reduce tensions and prevent accidental clashes."

However, some point out that such interpretations may be overly optimistic. Unlike the Ministry of National Defense, the UNC declined to confirm specific details regarding its communication with North Korea. The UNC commented, "Advance notification is useful in reducing the risk of misunderstandings and misjudgments."