Ministry of National Defense: "North Korea Continues Missile Development"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] It has been confirmed that North Korea continues activities involving personnel and vehicles within missile-related facilities. This indicates that missile development is ongoing.

On the 28th, the Ministry of National Defense reported to the National Assembly's Defense Committee that regarding North Korean military trends, "Activities involving personnel and vehicles within missile-related facilities are ongoing," but "the Yongbyon 5MWe reactor remains in a long-term shutdown state, and no unusual activities have been identified around the Punggye-ri nuclear test site."

In July and August, North Korea was observed conducting specialty and tactical training around unit garrisons, along with preparations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Party (October 10). Military authorities reported last month to the National Assembly that they detected trends related to parade preparations, including the construction of new equipment sheds near Pyongyang Mirim Airfield and repairs at Kim Il-sung Square.

The Ministry of National Defense also stated that despite the COVID-19 situation, it plans to proceed with verification procedures for the wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer through the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises. This reconfirms the existing position to conduct a full operational capability (FOC) South Korea-U.S. joint verification evaluation applying the 'future command structure' for the OPCON transfer during the second half joint command post exercise scheduled for mid-next month. The future command structure refers to a command structure where the commander of the future combined forces command, established after the OPCON transfer, is a South Korean officer, and the deputy commander is a U.S. officer.

Regarding the second half joint command post exercise, it was stated that "all situations, including the COVID-19 situation, are being carefully considered in consultations between South Korea and the U.S." However, it was emphasized that the joint field training exercise is currently being adjusted and will be conducted normally with COVID-19 prevention measures in place.

The Ministry of National Defense explained, "Domestic training is being conducted under infection prevention measures such as minimizing mutual contact," and "Overseas dispatch training will be adjusted through consultations between the host country and participating countries regarding timing, methods, and scale."

Meanwhile, due to the unresolved Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the U.S., Korean workers employed by the U.S. Forces Korea who had been on unpaid leave for about two months are scheduled to receive support funds in early September according to a special law.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.