North Korea has vehemently denied accusations from Seoul regarding a recent mine explosion in the Demilitarised Zone. According to the state news agency KCNA, Pyongyang dismissed Seoul’s claims that North Korean mines caused serious injuries to South Korean soldiers. The country also rejected Seoul's subsequent demand for an apology related to the incident within the Demilitarised Zone. This rejection escalates tensions between the two Koreas following the blast. The North Korean statement characterized Seoul’s accusation as "groundless" and a provocation. The incident threatens to further strain already fragile inter-Korean relations. This denial suggests a hardening of stance from Pyongyang regarding the disputed border area.