South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea after landmine blasts injure three soldiers

South Korean Deputy Minister for Defense Policy Kim Hong-cheol announced the proposal during a televised briefing, according to the Associated Press.

Seoul wants the two sides to confirm the precise location of the military demarcation line, discuss restoring military communication channels and agree on measures to prevent unintended confrontations near the border.

Kim said South Korea was also willing to hold three-way discussions involving the US-led United Nations Command, which oversees the armistice arrangements.

The proposal follows landmine explosions in September that injured three South Korean soldiers. South Korea's military believes the mines were planted by North Korea.

Tensions have also increased as North Korean troops expand fortifications along the border, installing mines, barbed wire fences, roads and anti-tank barriers.

South Korea's military says North Korean soldiers have crossed the military demarcation line at least 50 times in 2026 while carrying out construction work. South Korean forces responded with warning shots and radio warnings.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sharply curtailed dialogue and cooperation with Seoul in recent years, leaving it unclear whether Pyongyang will accept the latest proposal.