The United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea has released footage of a dramatic border crossing by a defecting North Korean soldier.
The incident happened on November 13th, and the soldier is believed to have been shot five times by North Korean soldiers during his effort to cross at the Joint Security Area (JSA) - the only area of the demilitarised zone where forces from both countries face each other.
South Korean soldiers managed to drag the defector to safety, and he has since had a number of surgeries.
It has been reported that the man - who is said to be 24 years of age - has now regained consciousness, with officials saying he is expected to survive.
Defection
The soldier had approached the border in a vehicle, but was forced to continue on foot after a wheel apparently came off.
The dramatic footage of the incident shows members of the North Korean People’s Army (KPA) opening fire on their defecting comrade. It is believed around 40 rounds were fired.
UNC launched an investigation in the wake of the incident, and now say that members of the KPA "violated the UN Armistice Agreement twice" during the event - by firing across the so-called Military Demarcation Line (MDL), and when one soldier briefly crossed the line.
Officials have now requested a meeting with North Korean military authorities "to discuss the investigation results and measures to prevent future such violations".
UNC Commander Gen. Vincent K. Brooks explained: "After thoroughly reviewing the investigation results, I assess the actions taken by the UNC Security Battalion were in a manner that is consistent with the Armistice Agreement, namely – to respect the Demilitarized Zone and to take actions that deter a resumption of hostilities.
"The armistice agreement was challenged, but it remains in place."
The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953, and brought an end to the hostilities of the Korean War. However, no full peace treaty has ever been signed between the two countries.
Tens of thousands of North Koreans have defected to the South since the Korean War, with most fleeing through China as opposed to the well-guarded DMZ.
