Jeong Eui-yong on North Korea's ICBM Launch Possibility of 'Hwasong-15'... "Under Precise Analysis"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 28th, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong avoided giving a direct answer regarding the possibility that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea is the 'Hwasong-15' model, stating that it is "under precise analysis."

At the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session that day, in response to a question from Rep. Cho Tae-yong of the People Power Party asking for clarification on whether the ICBM launched by North Korea was the Hwasong-17 or Hwasong-15, Minister Chung said, "The South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies are conducting a precise analysis based on various information."

Regarding the observation that the altitude and flight time of this ICBM launch have both increased compared to the Hwasong-15 launched by North Korea in 2017, Minister Chung explained, "That may not necessarily be the case," adding, "It is said that adjustments can be made depending on the warhead weight."

On the reason for North Korea's ICBM launch, he said, "It is part of the development of new weapons according to their own schedule," and added, "There may also be a judgment to secure a more advantageous strategic position in negotiations that could resume in the future."

Minister Chung stated, "The government believes there is a high possibility that North Korea will further worsen the situation, and we will maintain a strong South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture while strengthening cooperation with the international community," adding, "In particular, based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, we will continue diplomatic efforts to lead strong measures at the United Nations Security Council level."

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