Possibility of Additional Missile Launches... Rising Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu, Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As North Korea succeeded in the test launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17, tensions on the Korean Peninsula during the regime transition period are rapidly escalating. President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol stated on the 25th, "There is nothing to gain from provocations," and issued a "stern warning." In the afternoon, he plans to have a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to closely discuss the security situation. The United States immediately announced additional sanctions. Our intelligence authorities have also raised the possibility of further provocations by North Korea within this month, indicating that the level of 'strong versus strong' confrontation is expected to intensify.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 25th, "Under the direct guidance of Comrade Kim Jong-un, the test launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-17 was conducted on March 24." According to the agency, the Hwasong-17 launched the previous day flew for 4052 seconds (67 minutes) at a maximum apogee of 6248.5 km and a distance of 1090 km, landing in the open sea of the East Sea of North Korea.

An intelligence official analyzed, "North Korea aims to enhance the technical and political completeness in preparation for the 110th anniversary of the birth of former President Kim Il-sung, the Day of the Sun, on April 15," and predicted, "It is expected that additional launches will occur within this month." There is speculation that the next launch will use a satellite as a pretext to test the maximum range (15,000 km) at a normal angle.

With North Korea abandoning the moratorium on ICBM launches, tensions on the Korean Peninsula are expected to escalate rapidly. President-elect Yoon, after holding a meeting with the transition committee's foreign affairs and security subcommittee the previous day, posted on his Facebook, "North Korea has carried out its 12th provocation this year," and "sternly warns North Korea." Presidential spokesperson Kim Eun-hye also said in the afternoon that a call with President-elect Yoon and President Xi Jinping is scheduled, adding, "We cannot avoid mentioning the provocations that have raised tensions on the Korean Peninsula."

President Moon Jae-in also stated in his message on the West Sea Defense Day, "Yesterday, North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile, making the security situation on the Korean Peninsula very serious," and added, "Peace through strong security is the best way to repay the heroes of the West Sea."

North Korea declared the prolongation of confrontation. Immediately after the launch, Chairman Kim Jong-un stated, "Our national defense power possesses formidable military technology that is impervious to any military threats or intimidation, and we will thoroughly prepare for a long-term confrontation with U.S. imperialism," expressing the will for 'confrontation' toward the international community, including the United States.

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