Ministry of Unification "Cannot Rule Out Continued Provocations by North Korea... Monitoring Developments"

by Jang Heejun

Published 15 Nov.2022 13:24(KST)

"Analyzing the Background of Kim Jong-un's Disappearance"

Ministry of Unification <span>[Image source=Yonhap News]</span>

Ministry of Unification [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Although North Korea has conducted military provocations since the 9th of this month, the Ministry of Unification stated that it is closely monitoring related developments, as it believes there is a possibility that North Korea's provocations will continue.

On the 15th, a Ministry of Unification official responded to a question about the Voice of America (VOA) report that "signs of new construction at North Korea's West Sea Satellite Launching Station have been detected," saying, "We cannot provide answers regarding specific North Korean military movements as it is classified information, but considering that North Korea has continued military provocations at very short intervals since September 25, we view that the possibility of continued provocations cannot be ruled out."

Regarding the fact that Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, has not made any public appearances since mid-last month, the official explained, "We are paying close attention and analyzing the background of his recent absence."

Earlier, VOA reported that an analysis of satellite images from the private satellite imagery company Planet Labs, dated the 14th (local time), showed that a new building was being constructed about 200 meters southeast of the existing engine test stand.

According to the report, the building is a rectangular structure approximately 30 meters long, with 10 square holes drilled into a concrete frame. This building connects to a road extending northeast from the existing engine test site, which was paved between the 28th of last month and the 1st of this month.