US Responds to North Korea Missile Launch with Sanctions

The North Korean National Defense Science Institute successfully conducted a hypersonic missile test launch on the 11th, with Chairman Kim Jong-un in attendance, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 12th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] As North Korea has consecutively conducted hypersonic missile test launches, the United States has pulled out the card of sanctions against North Korea. Following the White House's condemnation of North Korea's actions, the Treasury Department has taken sanctions, raising concerns about the potential deterioration of North Korea-US relations.

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on the 12th (local time) that it has designated five North Korean nationals involved in the development of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, one Russian individual, and one Russian entity for sanctions. The assets of the sanctioned individuals within the United States are frozen, and transactions with them are prohibited.

Four of the sanctioned individuals are affiliated with North Korea's National Defense Science Institute. The Treasury Department explained that the National Defense Science Institute has an organization responsible for procurement to secure goods and technologies to support North Korea's defense research and development programs.

On the 11th, the North Korean Academy of National Defense Science successfully conducted a hypersonic missile test launch, which was observed by Chairman Kim Jong Un, the State Affairs Commission Chairman, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 12th. The photo shows Chairman Kim Jong Un observing the missile test launch. [Image source=Yonhap News]

They are known to have been responsible for procuring parts in Vladivostok, Russia, and Dalian and Shenyang, China.

The Treasury Department criticized North Korea for conducting six ballistic missile test launches since September last year in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

It also emphasized that North Korea's recent missile launches are further evidence that North Korea continues to develop prohibited programs despite the international community's demands for diplomacy and denuclearization.

However, the Treasury Department stated, "The United States remains committed to pursuing dialogue and diplomacy with North Korea."

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