Person

Jin Young-seung

1. Follow-up: Seoul vows 'resolute punishment' if North Korea acts on border threats

   South Korea's Defense Ministry said on Oct 20 it was gravely concerned by North Korea's threats to deploy more tactical strike forces on the border and resume loudspeaker broadcasts into the South, warning it would 'punish resolutely' further provocations and urging Pyongyang to stop 'groundless claims' and Military Demarcation Line crossings. It called ROK loudspeaker warnings and warning shots near the MDL 'legitimate defensive measures'. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung inspected the front line and ordered operations to strengthen initiative. The threats echoed recent remarks by Kim Yo-jong and risk undoing diplomatic easing after President Lee Jae Myung took office.

   Oct 20, 2026 Afternoon