Ministry of National Defense on the North Korean Official Shooting Incident: "Unacceptable Act by North Korea"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that "North Korea's actions are unacceptable" regarding the late Lee Dae-jun, a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who was killed by North Korean gunfire.

At a regular briefing on the 22nd, Ministry of National Defense Deputy Spokesperson Moon Hong-sik said, "We pray for the repose of Lee Dae-jun and extend our sincere condolences to his bereaved family."

"On this day in 2020, North Korean soldiers committed the atrocity of shooting and killing the unarmed Mr. Lee and burning his body," he pointed out, "This is an inhumane act that cannot be tolerated."

Deputy Spokesperson Moon also stated, "This act goes against the purpose and intent of the September 19 Military Agreement, which called for a complete cessation of all hostile acts against the other party," adding, "The September 19 Military Agreement only has meaning if it is implemented. The Ministry of National Defense will manage the agreement to ensure it is mutually implemented in accordance with its purpose and intent."

Recently, at the National Assembly, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Seung-gyeom said, "There were no accidental clashes in the border area except for two other violations besides this case." In relation to this, the bereaved family of Lee Dae-jun requested a meeting with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and it is reported that the schedule is currently being coordinated.

The funeral ceremony held this morning in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, as a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official funeral, was attended by Minister Lee Jong-seop, who sent a wreath, and officials from the Ministry of National Defense.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.