[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] North Korea Reveals Operational Map... Is Provocation Imminent?

Chairman Kim Jong-un Presides Over Meeting... Emphasizes "War Deterrence Power"
Likely Discussed Tactical Nuclear Operation Plans for USFK Bases and Seoul

North Korea has revealed an enlarged meeting where an operational map of the South Korean region was spread out, drawing attention to its intentions. Considering that North Korea has previously conducted military provocations after displaying operational maps, it is expected to launch provocations again soon.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 11th, the day before, Chairman Kim Jong-un held an expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission to discuss important military issues for strengthening national defense capabilities and preparing for war.

The report's photos show Chairman Kim calling forward corps commanders and spreading out an "operational map" marking key targets in South Korea, pointing directly at specific areas with his finger while giving instructions. It is presumed that detailed military guidelines were presented, including the operation and deployment of recently revealed weapons capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads.

Chairman Kim emphasized at the meeting, "We must expand our war deterrence more practically and offensively and operate it effectively." North Korea's so-called war deterrence collectively refers to nuclear forces such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and tactical nuclear warhead-equipped forces, as well as conventional forces.

Following this, Chairman Kim pointed at the operational map of the South Korean region with his finger while giving instructions. The locations are presumed to be near Pyeongtaek, where U.S. Forces Korea bases are located, and Seoul. Additionally, a figure presumed to be a forward corps commander was shown reporting while placing a command baton near Gyeryongdae in Chungnam, where the Army, Navy, and Air Force headquarters are located. It is observed that he reported the latest operational plans, including tactical nuclear warhead-equipped forces, for his respective operational area to Chairman Kim.

Some speculate that since the Korean Central News Agency has blatantly leaked reckless remarks such as "occupation of Pyongyang" and "decapitation operations," the North likely discussed aggressive counter-operation plans such as "occupation of Seoul" in response.

North Korea has irregularly disclosed meetings where operational maps were presented through the media.

In March 2013, it revealed an operational map of the Strategic Forces' plan to strike the U.S. mainland; in July 2016, an operational map specifying ballistic missile strike points in South Korea was disclosed. In August 2017, it revealed a Strategic Forces missile strike operational map dividing South Korea into four parts, and in June last year, it disclosed an operational map showing the eastern front line of the South. All these meetings were attended by Chairman Kim.

Notably, after revealing the operational map in August 2017, North Korea launched the Hwasong-15 ICBM, and when the map was disclosed in June last year, important military action plans were added to forward units, and tactical nuclear operation unit military exercises were conducted.

This time, by again unveiling an operational map of the South Korean region, there is a strong possibility that North Korea will carry out a large-scale strategic provocation.

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