[Summary] North Korea Fires One Missile into the East Sea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea launched a missile into the East Sea. Military authorities stated that a precise analysis is needed to determine whether the missile launched that day was a cruise missile or a ballistic missile.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff informed the press corps via text message, "At around 6:40 a.m. that day, North Korea launched one short-range missile eastward from the Mu-pyeong-ri area in Jagang Province. The South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of additional information." This missile launch came 13 days after North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile into the East Sea from a train on the 15th.

The military determines the type of missile based on altitude, range, and speed. However, the missile launched that day showed some figures closer to those of a cruise missile, so further analysis is necessary, according to military authorities. Japan's NHK, citing a Ministry of Defense official, reported that an object possibly a ballistic missile was launched from North Korea. If the missile launched that day is confirmed to be a ballistic missile, it would constitute a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Meanwhile, the government held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) Standing Committee, chaired by National Security Office Director Suh Hoon, from 8 a.m. for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to discuss response measures related to North Korea's projectile. The Blue House explained in a press release regarding the NSC Standing Committee emergency meeting that the projectile was described as a "short-range missile" and that Chairman Won In-chul of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported on the launch situation.

President Moon Jae-in, after receiving a report on the NSC Standing Committee emergency meeting results from Director Suh Hoon, instructed, "Thoroughly analyze North Korea's recent statements and missile launch situation comprehensively and prepare response measures."