[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 24th, North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile presumed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the East Sea, and the Blue House is holding a National Security Council (NSC) meeting chaired by President Moon Jae-in to discuss related countermeasures.
The Blue House announced in the afternoon that "an NSC meeting chaired by President Moon will be held."
In this regard, the Joint Chiefs of Staff explained that North Korea launched a presumed ICBM projectile at a high angle into the East Sea on the same day. If this projectile is confirmed to be an actual ICBM, it would mean the moratorium (on nuclear tests and ICBM launches) declared in April 2018 has been broken after about four years.
North Korea also attempted an ICBM launch on the 16th but failed. Additionally, on the 27th and 5th of last month, North Korea conducted test launches of new ICBMs under the pretext of "satellite launches."
Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, has recently emphasized "space development" by conducting on-site guidance at the West Sea Satellite Launching Station and the National Aerospace Development Administration, thereby building justification for ICBM launches.
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