Overview
- UNC issued an unusually detailed statement citing Armistice Article 1, paragraphs 9 and 10, to say it alone controls access and civil administration in the southern DMZ.
- Ruling party lawmakers proposed an Act on the Peaceful Use of the DMZ that would authorize government-approved civilian entry notwithstanding the Armistice.
- South Korea’s defense and foreign ministries have voiced reservations that bypassing UNC procedures could complicate armistice management and coordination.
- After earlier denials of some requests, the UNC granted Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Hyun-jong access for a DMZ briefing with U.S. Eighth Army Commander Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert.
- UNC says UNCMAC manages movements and investigates suspected violations with NNSC oversight, while ROK Army units conduct critical on-the-ground tasks in the zone.