North Korea denies DMZ mine blast role, warns Seoul against 'tarnishing' image

Kim Yo Jong publicly rejected South Korea's accusation that Pyongyang planted mines that wounded South Korean soldiers in the DMZ, urging Seoul to cease efforts to 'tarnish' North Korea's image. The denial is consistent with North Korea's pattern of deflecting blame, but the incident itself remains unverified and could escalate inter-Korean tensions. The exchange signals heightened friction along the border, though no military escalation is confirmed.