[Comprehensive] North Korea Fires Two Cruise Missiles on Yoon's 100th Day in Office

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 100th day of President Yoon Seok-yeol's inauguration, North Korea launched two cruise missiles on the 17th. This is the second cruise missile launch by North Korea this year, following January, and appears to be a strong reaction to the start of the preliminary exercises for the South Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS).

According to military authorities on the day, North Korea fired two cruise missiles from Oncheon, South Pyongan Province, toward the West Sea in the early morning. South Korean and U.S. military authorities are analyzing detailed specifications such as flight distance.

Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles do not violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, but they pose a significant threat due to their pinpoint long-range precision strike capability. North Korea has developed two types of medium- and long-range cruise missiles, which were revealed through the Defense Science Development Exhibition and military parades, and has also announced test launch results.

Meanwhile, President Yoon Seok-yeol stated on the same day that if North Korea halts its nuclear development, diplomatic support including normalization of U.S.-North Korea relations and discussions on conventional weapons disarmament would be considered.

At a 100-day press conference held in the briefing room of the Yongsan Presidential Office building in the morning, President Yoon said, "In the August 15 Liberation Day address, I proposed a bold plan including political, economic, and military support if North Korea stops nuclear development."

He further explained regarding the 'bold plan,' "I have outlined a comprehensive plan including diplomatic support for normalization of U.S.-North Korea relations, discussions on disarmament of conventional weapons systems, and support for food, agricultural technology, medical care, infrastructure, as well as financial and international investment support."

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