The United Nations Command (UNC) has objected to a bill that would allow the South Korean government to control non-military access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Citing the 1953 Armistice Agreement, it emphasized its role as the sole administrator to maintain stability. The rare statement comes amid debate sparked by recent comments from the Unification Minister.
On December 17, 2025, the United Nations Command (UNC) issued a rare press release on its website, stressing its authority over access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This comes amid debate over bills introduced earlier this year by ruling Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Lee Jae-gang and Han Jeoung-ae, which would allow the South Korean government to approve non-military and peaceful access to the DMZ.
The UNC stated that since 1953, it has successfully administered the DMZ through the UNC Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC), a role essential for maintaining stability during heightened inter-Korean tensions. Citing the Armistice Agreement, it highlighted Article 1, noting that "civil administration and relief in that part of the Demilitarized Zone which is south of the Military Demarcation Line shall be the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command." It also quoted: "No person, military or civilian, shall be permitted to enter the demilitarized zone except persons concerned with the conduct of civil administration and relief and persons specifically authorized to enter by the Military Armistice Commission."
The UNC reviews all access requests according to established procedures to ensure movements are not provocative and do not risk personnel safety. While acknowledging the South Korean military's key role in DMZ tasks, it reaffirmed its commitment: "Through times of crisis and times of hope, the UNC... has remained a pillar of stability... We remain committed to maintaining the Armistice and stability on the Korean Peninsula with the optimistic hope that a permanent peace treaty can be achieved."
The issue resurfaced after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young recently highlighted denials of entry to National Security Office First Deputy Kim Hyun-jong and Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, linking it to territorial sovereignty and pushing for the legislation. The Ministry of Unification supports the bills' intent, but the foreign and defense ministries, along with the UNC, object, viewing the armistice as the binding framework. The UNC also voiced concerns in a recent meeting with the chief of the Ministry of Government Legislation.
Currently, all DMZ access is controlled by the UNC. Lee Jae-gang argued that the armistice, being of a purely military character, exceeds its scope in restricting civilian access. The statement is seen as the UNC's clear opposition to the proposed bills.
