[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 24th, the government issued a statement condemning North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, stating it "strongly condemns" the act.
Seo Ju-seok, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, said in the "Government Statement on North Korea's ICBM Launch," "North Korea's ICBM launch is a serious challenge to the hopes of our people calling for denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula, the demands of the international community, and the diplomatic efforts of related countries for a peaceful resolution."
Deputy Director Seo stated, "This act poses a serious threat to the Korean Peninsula, the region, and the international community," adding, "It is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and a self-nullification of North Korea's promise to suspend ICBM launches to the international community. The government strongly condemns this."
He continued, "The government will firmly respond to any threats based on our robust military capabilities and the solid ROK-US alliance, ensuring the protection of our security," emphasizing, "We will take necessary countermeasures in cooperation with related countries and the international community based on close ROK-US cooperation."
Deputy Director Seo also stated, "The government sternly urges North Korea to immediately cease actions that create tension on the Korean Peninsula and cause instability in the regional situation, and to promptly return to the path of diplomatic resolution."
On the same day, the government held an emergency NSC meeting chaired by President Moon Jae-in to discuss response measures. President Moon also pointed out that North Korea's recent launch is a self-nullification of the suspension of ICBM launches promised by Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party, to the international community, and strongly condemned it.
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