On October 15, North Korea exploded sections of the roads connecting the two Koreas, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency. The South Korean military confirmed that they fired back south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in response to the attack.

Just days prior, on October 9, North Korea announced a “complete severance” of road and railway links to the South. Following this, on October 14, the South Korean military indicated that North Korea appeared to be preparing to detonate the Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line, key connections between the two nations.

During a regular press conference, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Seung-jun warned that “the demolition operations could happen as early as today.” He further emphasized that “should North Korea engage in provocative actions, South Korea will respond with strong self-defense measures.”

The Gyeongui Line links the South Korean border city of Paju to North Korea’s Kaesong, while the Donghae Line runs along the eastern coast. Earlier, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff disclosed that on October 15, North Korea detonated parts of the Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line connecting the North and South. In a message sent to defense reporters, they stressed that “our military is enhancing surveillance and readiness.”

Images surfaced showing North Korean soldiers stationed at border observation posts on October 14, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the peninsula.