Second time this year, resumed provocations 8 days after launching an IRBM on the 6th
Joint Chiefs: “North Korea’s SRBM flew around 250 km before landing in the East Sea
Expert: “North Korea shows impatience..aims to hasten US-North Korea summit”, ‘ [Financial News] ‘,
The North Korean Workers’ Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Missile Bureau successfully conducted a test launch of a new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile on the 6th,” adding that “Comrade Kim Jong-un watched this through a video monitoring system.” Photo=Rodong Sinmun capture, ‘On the 14th, North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea. This seems to be an attempt to maximize nuclear negotiation leverage in connection with the advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities, coinciding with the inauguration of the second-term US government under Trump, set for the 20th.’,
, ‘According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “at around 9:30 AM, several launch objects suspected of being short-range ballistic missiles launched from the vicinity of Ganggye, Jagang Province, towards the East Sea were detected,” and “the missiles flew approximately 250 km before landing in the East Sea.” ‘,
, ‘The Joint Chiefs added, “The South Korean and US intelligence authorities had detected and monitored North Korea’s missile launch preparations in advance, and they tracked it immediately upon launch,” and “In addition, relevant information was closely shared with the US and Japanese sides, with detailed specifications being comprehensively analyzed.” They further stated, “North Korea’s missile launch is a clear act of provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” strongly condemning the act.’,
, ‘The Presidential Office convened a meeting immediately after the provocation, chaired by Vice Minister of National Security Yoon Sung-hwan, to share the situation and discuss future response plans.’,
, ‘The Presidential Office stated, “The government will closely monitor North Korea’s movements and maintain full readiness to respond to any provocation.”‘,
, ‘This day’s provocation marks the second instance this year, occurring 8 days after launching a single hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a solid-fuel propulsion system on the 6th.’,
, ‘Regarding this, Ban Gil-ju, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy and expert in foreign affairs and security, noted, “Firstly, this ballistic missile provocation shows North Korea’s impatience,” adding, “It aims to maintain negotiation leverage by showcasing that it has a variety of provocation methods, ensuring its capabilities are not overlooked amid decreasing interest in North Korea.”‘,
, ‘Professor Ban further analyzed, “Particularly noteworthy is the concern that both North Korea’s leverage with the US and Russia is weakening as news of Trump and Putin preparing for a summit emerges, and this move attempts to offset that concern,” adding, “With this launch provocation, North Korea seeks to push President-elect Trump into requesting a summit with Kim Jong-un soon.” \n’]