UNC Issues Unusual Statement on DMZ Authority Citing Armistice Agreement Amid Moves to Amend DMZ Act

On December 17, the United Nations Command (UNC) issued a statement reaffirming that, according to the provisions of the Armistice Agreement, the authority to manage the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) south of the Military Demarcation Line lies with the UNC. This unusual statement appears to have been released in response to recent criticism by Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung, who highlighted "territorial sovereignty" and criticized the UNC.

The Western Front Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Kaesong Industrial Complex area as seen from the border area of Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On this day, the UNC posted a "Statement on the Authority and Procedures of the United Nations Military Armistice Commission" on its website, citing Article 1, Paragraph 9 of the Armistice Agreement, which states, "Civil administration and relief activities in the area of the DMZ south of the Military Demarcation Line are the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command." The UNC also emphasized, in line with Paragraph 10 of the same article, that "no military personnel or civilians, except those involved in civil administration and relief activities or those who have obtained specific permission from the Military Armistice Commission, may enter the DMZ."

The UNC stated, "The Military Armistice Commission carefully reviews and either approves or denies access to the DMZ based on established procedures," explaining that "this is to ensure that movement within the DMZ is not perceived as provocative or does not pose a security risk to visitors." The UNC added, however, that "it continues to hope for the conclusion of a permanent peace treaty and will continue its efforts to maintain the armistice and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

It is considered highly unusual for the UNC to directly state its position on a specific issue in this manner. This move appears to be a response to Minister Chung's recent public criticism following the revelation that Kim Hyunchong, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, was denied entry to the DMZ, as well as to efforts within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea to amend the DMZ Act to allow the South Korean government to exercise authority over DMZ access. Lee Jaekang, the Democratic Party lawmaker who sponsored the amendment, argued that the relevant provisions of the Armistice Agreement are limited to "military purposes" and that it is excessive for the UNC to control civilian access as well.