Ministry of Unification: "North Korea Gains Nothing from Provocations... Seriously Monitoring Tactical Nuclear Training"

"Stop Additional Provocations and Respond to the 'Bold Initiative'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The Ministry of Unification strongly condemned North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un’s guidance of the tactical nuclear operational unit’s military exercises and stated that it is monitoring the situation very seriously.

An official from the Ministry of Unification said on the 11th during a meeting with reporters, "The recent consecutive launches of North Korea’s short-range ballistic missiles are a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious provocative act," adding, "North Korea’s illegal military provocations cannot be justified under any circumstances."

The official further stated, "We are watching very closely especially as North Korea, following the legalization of its nuclear forces, conducted tactical nuclear launch drills targeting our territory," and added, "Provocations will gain nothing; rather, North Korea should recognize that it will suffer from increased international isolation and strengthened sanctions."

He also emphasized the policy of not passively waiting for North Korea to return to denuclearization talks but instead strongly deterring provocations while using dialogue and diplomacy to lead North Korea to abandon nuclear development. Additionally, he repeatedly urged North Korea to respond positively to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s 'Bold Initiative' for a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.

On the 9th, a day before the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea from the area around Munchon, Gangwon Province (north of Wonsan). Earlier, on the 4th, it also launched one intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), presumed to be a Hwasong-12, into the Pacific Ocean. Since the 25th of last month, North Korea has conducted seven missile provocations over a period of fifteen days.

Meanwhile, from the 25th of last month to the 9th of this month, Kim Jong-un guided training exercises of North Korea’s tactical nuclear operational units, long-range artillery units, and air force squadrons, during which he stated, "We have nothing to discuss with the enemies and do not feel the need to," while mentioning the strengthening of nuclear combat capabilities.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Unification announced that the inter-Korean joint liaison office channel was connected normally again this morning. Regarding whether Kim Jong-un paid respects at the Kumsusan Sun Palace on the occasion of the Party’s founding day yesterday, there has been no report from North Korea, so a definitive judgment is expected around the 12th. The ministry also plans to monitor the situation for the possibility of additional events such as a military parade or weapons exhibition in North Korea.

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