DMZ Mine Blast Accountability: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff says a North Korean land mine is “highly likely” to have caused last week’s DMZ explosion that injured three soldiers, with Seoul promising “corresponding measures” if final findings confirm Pyongyang’s responsibility. Political Fallout in Seoul: The Blue House rejected claims the inspection delay was tied to President Lee Jae Myung’s UN remarks on sanctions relief, while Lee called for a thorough truth-finding probe and opposition lawmakers pressed for clearer process and accountability. Mine Investigation Details: Reports say statements from troops pointed to a wooden-box mine shape, including discussion of non-metal detection limits and why investigators struggled to reach the blast point safely. North Korea at the UN: Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong reiterated that Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons status is irreversible “in any circumstances,” using the UN platform to denounce “mutual distrust” and intensifying confrontation. Russia–North Korea Military Link: Zelensky warned Russia is preparing to absorb more North Korean troops, citing plans for an additional 10,000 and alleging Russia helps North Korea gain war experience and technology. Transnational Repression Claim: A Seoul rights group alleged North Korea runs a secret detention facility under its Beijing embassy to interrogate and forcibly repatriate suspected defectors, including a case involving a detained former diplomat. Nuclear Submarine Dispute: North Korea condemned US approval for South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine plan as fueling “dangerous nuclear ambition” and regional instability.