ROK JCS: "Very High Likelihood of a North Korean Mine in DMZ Explosion... We Will Take Corresponding Measures"; Inter-Korean Ties Set to Chill

[Financial News] Interim investigation findings indicate that the explosion that occurred on the 21st in the western sector of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was likely caused by a North Korean mine.
The mine was also presumed to be a plastic resin anti-personnel mine manufactured by North Korea. If it is ultimately confirmed to be a mine belonging to the North Korean military, inter-Korean relations are expected to enter a deep freeze.
At an emergency briefing on the 28th, Kwon Dae-won, deputy chief of the ROK JCS, said the accident was presumed to have been caused by a mine laid by North Korean forces. Kwon said, "We judge it highly likely that the cause of this mine explosion was a mine belonging to the North Korean military." He added, "If the final investigation determines that the cause of the damage to our troops was a mine planted by North Korean forces, North Korea bears all responsibility. Our military will take appropriate and corresponding measures."
The ROK JCS received preliminary forensic analysis results from the National Forensic Service on equipment collected from the injured personnel at the time of the mine explosion. The analysis detected TNT components and brownish foreign substances.
Kwon said, "Considering the operational personnel's statements about the flames at the time of the explosion and the extent of the damage, we presume that the explosion was not caused by a mine belonging to our military." He added, "Based on the statements, it is presumed to have been a brown resin anti-personnel mine similar to a North Korean wooden-box mine." 
[email protected] Kim Kyung-soo Reporter