Heightened Crisis in Japan After North Korea's Ballistic Missile Launch... Concerns Over Possible ICBM Launch

North Korea fired another projectile into the East Sea on the 30th. This marks the seventh military demonstration since the beginning of the new year, coming just three days after launching two ground-to-ground tactical guided missiles on the 27th. The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced in a text message sent to the press corps at 7:57 a.m. that North Korea fired an unidentified projectile into the East Sea. The photo shows citizens watching related news at Seoul Station on the same day. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy, reporter Kim Jin-ho] On the morning of January 30, North Korea conducted a surprise launch of a medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM), prompting speculation from the Japanese side that an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch could follow. Analysts say that North Korea's provocation has heightened a sense of crisis in Japan.

According to major Japanese media outlets, a senior official from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the launch, stating, "There is a possibility that this could lead to an ICBM launch." The reports noted that North Korea recently hinted at the possibility of resuming ICBM launches, which it had declared suspended in April 2018.

In particular, it was reported that a high-ranking Japanese government official expressed concern that North Korea may even launch a missile during the Beijing Olympics, which are set to open on February 4.

The Japanese government's perception of the situation was confirmed by remarks from Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the government spokesperson. In two emergency press briefings held in the morning, he emphasized, "Such a ballistic missile launch with this level of intensity is a violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions."

In Japanese, the word "intensity" refers to the degree of strong force or fierceness of something. Japanese media outlets reported that the use of the phrase "this level of intensity" was unusual, indicating that the Japanese government is taking the threat very seriously.

Meanwhile, on January 20, North Korea announced that it was considering lifting its moratorium on nuclear tests and ICBM launches.

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