'Concern' → 'Strong Regret'... Government Raises Tone Over North Korea's New Year Missile Provocation (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The government expressed "strong regret" over North Korea's second missile launch since the beginning of the new year and decided to devise countermeasures.

On the 11th, from 8:50 a.m. to 9:40 a.m., the National Security Council (NSC) Standing Committee held an emergency meeting to discuss the suspected ballistic missile launch by North Korea.

NSC Standing Committee members received a briefing on the situation and the military's readiness from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Won In-chul, then reviewed the security situation and discussed response measures.

The members first analyzed North Korea's intent behind the consecutive missile tests since the start of the year and expressed strong regret over the launch, which took place at a time when stability in the situation is critically important.

Considering that the NSC Standing Committee only expressed "concern" over North Korea's first missile launch on the 5th, this time the level of response has been significantly heightened.

The NSC Standing Committee decided to conduct a detailed analysis of the launch vehicle's specifications in close cooperation with South Korea and the United States, closely monitor North Korea's related follow-up activities, and devise necessary countermeasures. They also urged North Korea to promptly respond to the international community's expectations for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula by resuming dialogue and cooperation.

Attendees of the Standing Committee included National Security Office Director Suh Hoon, Presidential Office Chief Secretary Yoo Young-min, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, Unification Minister Lee In-young, Defense Minister Suh Wook, National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won, Office for Government Policy Coordination Director Koo Yun-cheol, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Won In-chul, First and Second Deputy Directors of the National Security Office Seo Joo-seok and Kim Hyung-jin, and Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Division Noh Kyu-duk.

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