Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Discussing Response with the US and International Community to North Korea's Missile Launch"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly consulting with the United States and United Nations Security Council member states on how to respond to North Korea's hypersonic missile test launch conducted the previous day.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 6th that regarding whether this launch violates Security Council resolutions, "In principle, all launches using ballistic missile technology are prohibited under the resolutions," and added, "Under close cooperation between South Korean and U.S. authorities, a thorough analysis and evaluation of the missile specifications are underway."

He also said, "The government is maintaining close communication with the United States and other key Security Council member states."

North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea the previous day, and on the 6th, state media reported that the weapon tested was a hypersonic missile.

Accordingly, attention is focused on whether the government will take measures such as convening a UN Security Council meeting centered on the United States and the international community.

Since North Korea's test launch constitutes a violation of the resolutions, it is expected that the Security Council will discuss this issue.

Although no meetings are currently scheduled, some member states may request the convening of a meeting.

It is anticipated that either a new meeting will be convened or the issue of North Korea's missile launch will be added as an agenda item to an existing scheduled meeting for discussion.

The United States views this launch as a violation of the Security Council. A U.S. State Department spokesperson condemned "North Korea's ballistic missile launch," stating, "This launch violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions."

The Security Council also held emergency meetings last year to discuss North Korea's hypersonic missile 'Hwasong-8' launch and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launch, respectively. However, these did not lead to joint responses at the Security Council member state level, such as press statements.