Kim Yo-jong Hints at ICBM Launch at Normal Trajectory Angle

Regarding Atmospheric Reentry Technology, "You Will Know Soon Enough"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Kim Yo-jong, Vice Department Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, hinted at a normal-angle launch by stating that "it is something that will be known soon" in response to the claim that North Korea must launch at a normal angle to verify whether it possesses intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) atmospheric reentry technology.

In a statement released on the 20th through the Korean Central News Agency, Kim addressed criticisms regarding North Korea's lack of ICBM atmospheric reentry technology, saying, "For years, the puppet military thugs and puppet experts have been clinging to claims that our intercontinental ballistic missiles have not been recognized or verified for atmospheric reentry, perhaps as a form of self-comfort. I have never seen such needless worries in my life."

She added, "Proof cannot be established by high-angle launches alone; it must be tested by firing at an actual angle. It seems obvious that they will try to belittle our strategic weapon capabilities with such nonsense. It is something that will be done soon, and we will know soon, won't we?" This implies that the ICBM will be launched at a normal angle (30?45 degrees) rather than a high angle.

Kim also criticized a so-called puppet expert who claimed that long-range missiles and satellite carrier rockets are essentially similar, saying, "Yes, satellites are launched by carrier rockets; is there any technology to launch satellites with balloons?" She then added harsh words, saying, "They should stop spouting nonsense and think carefully." Kim also lashed out at criticisms from experts who described North Korea's reconnaissance satellite development as being at a 'crude level,' especially regarding an important final-stage test.

Kim stated, "Listening to the vile habit of slandering others, which the South Korean puppets keep spouting, is so tedious and sickening that it makes me utterly disgusted."

She continued, "They have been slandering since the beginning of the year and have continued all year long, yet as the year-end approaches, it still does not stop." She said, "Those who have their mouths shut in that place seem to have some kind of soil disease. Whenever it comes to what we do, their first reaction is suspicion, second is quarreling. Now they are so used to it that they don't even respond, but since they keep making unreasonable slanders and belittling us, I want to clarify with a few words."

Specifically addressing the criticism from the South that the satellite images released by North Korea were of 'crude quality' and 'deceptive activities,' she questioned, "Is it any wonder that so-called experts, who are obsessed only with disparaging others, would utter such nonsensical words?"

She also revealed, "There was even someone who said our announcement was a rushed one and that they were probably stimulated by their own first independent reconnaissance satellite development, which is truly ridiculous barking."