South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited soldiers injured in a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 30 and met with their families at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital.Lee assured the injured soldiers that the government would provide support for their treatment, rehabilitation and future military careers. He also asked officials to ensure that soldiers injured while carrying out their duties receive appropriate compensation and recognition.Key HighlightsPresident Lee Jae Myung visited soldiers injured in a DMZ landmine explosionThree South Korean soldiers were injured in the September 21 blastLee met both the wounded troops and their familiesHe directed officials to review compensation and support measuresThe military has said a North Korean mine was highly likely to have caused the explosionA joint investigation with the UN Command is continuingLee Visits Injured Soldiers at Military HospitalPresident Lee visited the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in the morning and spoke with the soldiers injured during an operation in the western section of the DMZ.The September 21 explosion injured three South Korean soldiers. Two suffered serious injuries. The troops were involved in clearing a route for an inspection related to suspected mine-laying activities near the Military Demarcation Line.During his visit, Lee asked the soldiers to focus on their recovery. The injured troops reportedly told him that their team survived by working together and expressed their wish to continue serving in the military after recovering.President Lee Pledges Compensation and Continued SupportLee also met with the families of the injured soldiers and listened to their concerns about treatment, rehabilitation and their future military service.According to the presidential office, Lee specifically asked officials whether appropriate compensation was available for soldiers injured while performing their duties. He directed officials to review additional support measures and explain the results to the families.The president said injured service members should receive proper recognition and support, linking adequate treatment of wounded soldiers to military morale.Investigation Into DMZ Landmine ExplosionThe landmine blast occurred on September 21 while South Korean troops were clearing a route in the western DMZ for a joint inspection involving the South Korean military and the United Nations Command.On September 28, South Korea's military said it was highly likely that the mine had been planted by North Korean forces, based on the circumstances, explosive analysis and investigation at the site. The investigation is being conducted with the UN Command to establish the exact circumstances.Lee had earlier instructed the military to conduct a swift and transparent investigation and said that necessary measures would be taken based on the findings. He also called for cooperation with the UN Command in establishing the facts.The presidential office said Wednesday's hospital visit was conducted privately without filming, citing concerns about the families and their children.
