Seoul urges mutual respect, end to armistice violations; calls for communication channel along MDL
![Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young answers lawmakers' questions at a national audit session of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee held at the Inter-Korean Dialogue Headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 7. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/10/20/rcv.YNA.20261007.PYH2026100706330001302_P1.jpg)
The Ministry of Unification said Tuesday that reducing inter-Korean tensions and stabilizing the situation requires "mutual respect and consideration," not unilateral warnings and threats, in response to Kim Yo-jong's announcement that North Korea was reviewing plans to bolster its military presence and resume loudspeaker broadcasts against the South.
The ministry's spokesperson office issued a statement that day, adding that North Korea's actions near the MDL that violate the armistice agreement must stop immediately.
The ministry stressed that fundamentally resolving tensions and the risk of clashes along the MDL would require the two Koreas to align their positions on the boundary line and establish a communication channel for its peaceful management as soon as possible.
It also urged the North to "actively respond to efforts aimed at preventing unnecessary escalation and achieving effective solutions."
sunpine@heraldcorp.com
