NIS: "North Korea Reveals Chemical Warfare Unit for the First Time... Building 2 SLBM Submarines"

"Biochemical Detection Set Small Bag Worn Unit Spotted"
"North Korean Military Changes Code System After West Sea Shooting Incident"
"No Acceptance of South Korean Supplies Due to COVID-19 Transmission Concerns"

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, is waiting for the start of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee's audit of the National Intelligence Service at the NIS headquarters on the 3rd.

On the 3rd, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that North Korea is constructing two new submarines, both of which are believed to be capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Additionally, it was confirmed that North Korea publicly unveiled its electronic warfare and chemical warfare units for the first time during the recent military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.

During the National Assembly Intelligence Committee’s inspection held at the NIS office in Naegok-dong on the same day, the NIS reported that "one of the submarines is a Romeo-class (1,800-ton) upgraded model, and the other is presumed to be a new medium-to-large submarine, with detailed specifications still under analysis," according to statements made by Kim Byung-gi of the Democratic Party and Ha Tae-kyung of the People Power Party, who serve as secretaries of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, during a press briefing. The NIS also reported on overall North Korean affairs, including developments related to Chairman Kim, changes in the power structure, and foreign policy trends.

Representative Ha stated, "North Korea revealed several things for the first time ever during the 75th anniversary parade," mentioning the increased length and diameter of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the increased warhead weight. He added, "The ballistic missiles unveiled this time totaled 76 units across 9 types, marking the largest scale in the history of military parades."

Director Park Ji-won of the National Intelligence Service is waiting for the start of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee's audit of the NIS at the NIS headquarters on the 3rd. From the left, Kim Sang-gyun, 1st Deputy Director; Director Park; Park Jeong-hyun, 2nd Deputy Director; Kim Seon-hee, 3rd Deputy Director.

The NIS analyzes that North Korea publicly revealed its electronic warfare and chemical warfare units for the first time during the parade.

Representative Ha explained, "The electronic warfare unit conducts radio wave jamming operations, and equipment presumed to be used for communication jamming was captured in photos related to the parade." He added, "A chemical warfare unit wearing small bags presumed to be biochemical detection kits was also unveiled."

Regarding these developments, Representative Kim said, "The NIS analyzes that these moves are intended for regime consolidation and external demonstration."

Recently, North Korea changed the name of its defense ministry equivalent to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense from the 'People’s Armed Forces Ministry' to the 'Ministry of Defense,' emphasizing that "military power will be used defensively." Representative Kim explained that this is seen as a measure to highlight the image of a normal state by adopting internationally recognized terminology.

Furthermore, North Korea is making an all-out effort to respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which is also affecting inter-Korean exchanges.

Representative Ha reported, "North Korea emphasized quarantine measures by adding provisions to the Emergency Quarantine Law, making violations punishable by death or life imprisonment." He added, "The Party Central Inspection Team has been dispatched nationwide, prioritizing quarantine as the top task."

It is also understood that North Korea suffered significant flood damage this summer.

Representative Ha stated, "In the case of Kumdok, the largest mineral production area in South Hamgyong Province, flooding damage equivalent to 18 times the area of Yeouido was sustained, and it is estimated that production of lead, zinc, and magnesite decreased by more than 30% in August and September." He further added that the flood damage is expected to reduce the grain harvest by more than 200,000 tons.

Despite the dual hardships of quarantine and flood damage, North Korea continues to firmly reject aid from the South.

Representative Ha said, "North Korea is concerned that COVID-19 could be transmitted internally through external supplies and therefore does not accept materials from the South." It was also reported that in mid-August, North Korean customs officials who were supposed to receive South Korean supplies were severely punished on a large scale.

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, is taking notes during the National Assembly Intelligence Committee's audit held at the NIS headquarters on the 3rd.

Regarding the recent shooting incident involving a public official in the West Sea, there are indications that Chairman Kim has ordered a reinvestigation.

Representative Ha said, "There was intelligence suggesting that the North conducted a search for the body in connection with the incident," and added, "It appears that there was an order from Chairman Kim Jong-un to reinvestigate the circumstances of the incident."

Moreover, North Korea seems to have significantly strengthened communication security since the incident. Representative Ha explained, "After the incident, the usage of North Korean communication networks has greatly decreased," which is believed to be due to increased exposure of North Korean communication networks to the media.

The internal code and slang system within the North Korean military has also been extensively changed. Representative Ha reported, "The NIS stated that the slang system used for communication among North Koreans has also changed somewhat."

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