South Korea in September 2026: the most important developments in security
South Korea's security situation in September 2026 was marked by North Korean weapons developments, a landmine blast at the border and a debate over a deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.
On 7 September North Korea commissioned a second Choe Hyon-class destroyer, the 5,000-ton Kang Kon, which state media said is assigned to the country's nuclear response system. The commissioning came as the United States, South Korea and Japan began joint drills, which North Korea protested while threatening countermeasures. On 9 September the International Atomic Energy Agency said North Korea had built a new uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, and Seoul reported that North Korean military personnel crossed the Military Demarcation Line more than 20 times in August. Around 12 September North Korea fired ballistic missiles toward the sea after South Korean drills. At the UN General Assembly, North Korea said its status as a nuclear-armed state is irreversible.
At the end of the month, a blast in the Demilitarized Zone injured three South Korean soldiers. South Korea's military said it was highly likely caused by North Korean landmines and that one such mine was found near the site; the defence minister said it had been planted there and tied the incident to North Korean border fortification work. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader, denied that North Korean mines caused the blast and threatened retaliation. South Korea demanded an apology, the president ordered a probe, and South Korean parties called for a firm response.
Seoul also weighed sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz. It recalibrated its plans as fighting in the region intensified, sent an assessment team to the United Arab Emirates, and said a decision remained pending. On 18 September President Lee ruled out a combat role in the Middle East conflict.
Separately, Croatia bought 18 South Korean Chunmoo rocket launchers, and South Korea began fielding the K17 special operations weapon.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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