The situation in and along the DMZ between North and South Korea is more serious than I previously described.

The UNC is facing criticism for seeking to expand its authority over the DMZ while shirking its responsibilities.

https://t.co/X0fgsbLhZ5 https://t.co/VztrdDmShM

— The Hankyoreh (@TheHankyoreh) October 23, 2026

The South Korean patrols along the DMZ have fired warning shots over North Korean troops found to be on the South side of the MDL over 200 times between Aug1 and last weekend, according to Kim Yo-jong's statement. Also, the South has used loudspeakers to warn trespassing North Koreans 2800 times. I haven't heard a single analyst or politician with defense ties or anyone in the South Korean government dispute these figures. Many of these NK troops are engaged in construction of a new "border" consisting of three electrified fences with a service or tactical road being constructed along its length inside the DMZ. A land mine incident occurred just south of the MDL Military Demarcation Line Sept 21, injuring 3 South Korean soldiers. The mine was determined to be North Korean. Now there are reports that the North planted hundreds of thousands of land mines inside the DMZ and along the MDL, with some south of the MDL on the South Korean side. Naturally, there is a dispute as to the exact location of the MDL.

The "new border" being built on the disputed location of the MDL center line by North Korea is a violation of the 1953 Armistice establishing the DMZ. The North is in effect moving its military defense perimeter 2 kilometers southward of the old DMZ fence on their side. This was begun by North Korea in April 2024, in response to provocative policies by the Yoon administration. It is contended the North wants to finish their new "defensive wall" on the border or at least of it as much as possible before winter conditions move in.

Thus far the North Koreans haven't fired back at the South. Kim Yo-jong has threatened to resume loudspeaker broadcasting from their side, a form of torture really for those either living or working close to the DMZ. Farmers believe it is harmful to livestock. But Kim has also made vague suggestions of more direct military action implying more military forces being moved into the area including responsive teams, and perhaps more heavy weapons and newer artillery. I think even South Korean politicians bickering about this regard the situation as very tense, bordering on unmanageable. On the other hand, Kim on behalf of Kim Jong-un, her brother, is believed to posturing with prospects of possible contact from the Trump admin in November. However, once this wall is built, I'd be very surprised if its ever taken down. It is part of Kim's "two hostile states" policy, and a repudiation of the Armistice. The US effectively controls the DMZ according to the Armistice, yet really has allowed the situation to devolve from all the progress that had been made in 2018 among all three players, the US, North Korea and South Korea. The US blocked a lot of progress between North and South that could have otherwise have been achieved, with it's maximum pressure policy, and Yoon effectively undermined the Comprehensive Military Agreement achieved between North and South Sept. 19, 2018, aimed at keeping the areas around the DMZ devoid of conflict.

With tensions running high between Seoul and Pyongyang, experts are urging the restoration of liaison channels that can prevent inadvertent clashes. They also stress the need for communication between the UN Command and North Korea.

https://t.co/Cj75lzTQN1 https://t.co/yOFQ1epnAs

— The Hankyoreh (@TheHankyoreh) October 23, 2026

South Korean military fires back at Kim Yo-jong over MDL threat, warns of 'decisive response'

“It is unacceptable for North Korea to characterize our legitimate operational measures as provocations and shift responsibility for escalating tensions onto us,” Gen. Jin Yong-sung, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a meeting of frontline corps commanders on Tuesday.

The South Korean military is also pursuing measures to strengthen its operational control, including the installation of 20-meter-high (66-foot-high) observation towers and medium-range cameras inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Kim Yo-jong claimed that the South Korean military had issued 2,870 warning broadcasts and fired warning shots on 201 occasions between Aug. 1 and Saturday, in a statement on Monday.

Approximately 60 of the 91 warning shots fired from Oct. 1 to Saturday came in just three days — from Thursday to Saturday — Kim emphasized.

She added the South Korean military’s actions were putting North Korean troops and border security at continued risk. She warned that further provocations could bring consequences beyond Seoul’s control and stressed that North Korea would defend its sovereignty with action, not words alone.

This link below is to a Korean video interview of former four star general and current National Assembly Rep Kim Byung-joo whom Kim Yo-jong singled out for criticism. He's on the National Defense Committee. Kim Jong-tae, a former National Assembly Rep and geopolitical analyst is also interviewed. Gen Kim, is obviously anxious about the recent events and publicly discussing them. It's in Korean but the English subtitles are good if you know how to pull them up. I've been following both of them for a few years.

After I had pulled up a half dozen video's on this topic, youtube finally coughed up the video link to a program, I had been watching a few times a week for years. Hadn't seen it in a year or more. I felt lucky to see it.

Park Jeong-Ho's Hot Spot, North Korea labels wriggling minnow Kim Byung-joo..."Shut your mouth" explosive words Kim Yo-jong's intention? with Kim Jong-tae.
박정호의 핫스팟] 북한에 '송사리'로 찍힌 김병주..."입 닥쳐" 말폭탄 김여정의 속내는? with 김종대