Defense Minister Ahn: "No Intention of Jointly Managing DMZ with UNC"

UNC jurisdiction maintained due to potential violations of the Armistice Agreement and sanctions on North Korea
Ministry of Unification claims, "The DMZ Act falls under the legislature's authority," highlighting differences in position

Ahn Kyubaek, Minister of National Defense, said regarding the issue of jurisdiction over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that he has "no intention of jointly managing it with the United Nations Command (UNC)." His remarks indicate an intention to maintain UNC jurisdiction and represent a position that differs in nature from the so‑called "DMZ Act" being pursued by some in the government and the ruling party.

Ahn Gyubaek, Minister of National Defense, said regarding jurisdiction over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), "I have no intention of jointly managing it with the United Nations Command (UNC)." Yonhap News Agency

In a telephone interview with The Asia Business Daily on February 5, Minister Ahn said, "I have thought about possible solutions to the controversy over DMZ jurisdiction, but I have never considered a plan to jointly manage it with the UNC," adding, "I have not made any proposal to the UNC side."

The reason Minister Ahn drew such a clear line is concern about potential violations of the Armistice Agreement and sanctions against North Korea. Last month, the UNC side also stated that "the Republic of Korea having the authority to approve access to the DMZ would directly conflict with the Armistice Agreement and would so undermine the authority of the United Nations Commander." Minister Ahn is also seen as having taken into account relations with the United States. The UNC further said it would "cause significant concern among other parties," implying that there would be a response at the level of the U.S. government, which is a key member state composing the UNC.

However, because the DMZ Act is being pushed by the government and the ruling party, the situation may be perceived as a difference of opinion within the government. The Ministry of Unification holds the position that, in principle, legislation that comprehensively regulates DMZ‑related matters is necessary. Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung stated at a session of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that "what the UNC has said is the UNC's position, and the National Assembly's enactment of laws is an inherent legislative authority of the legislature." The idea is that a proposal could be made under which the UNC would retain jurisdiction over the area north of the southern barbed‑wire fence within the southern part of the DMZ and exercise approval authority over personnel access there, while the South Korean military would hold the authority to approve personnel access in the area south of the fence.

A government official said, "The issue of DMZ jurisdiction is not something to be adjusted within the government, but a matter that must be decided based on the Armistice Agreement and other relevant rules," adding, "Consultation with the UNC is important."

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