Another Trash Balloon... Followed by Ballistic Missile Launch? [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club]

Release of Trash Balloons on the 4th... Fall Expected in the Capital Area Today
North Korea Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Following Balloon Release

North Korea has once again sent trash balloons. Recently, North Korea has been launching ballistic missiles following the trash balloons, raising expectations of additional military provocations.

On the 5th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "The trash balloons sent by North Korea the previous day may move to the northern Gyeonggi region depending on changes in wind direction," and urged, "Be cautious of falling cargo, and if you find a fallen balloon, do not touch it and report it to the nearest military unit or police."

It has been 25 days since North Korea last sent trash balloons toward the south on the 10th of last month. This is the twelfth time this year. The trash balloons identified on the 10th of last month numbered about 240, with around 10 falling in our area.

The balloon release on this day is interpreted as a reaction to the regular South Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) and the ongoing loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea. In the past, North Korea has conducted provocations such as ballistic missile launches during the UFS exercises, but there were no notable movements this year. The military has been conducting limited loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea since July 18, when North Korea released its eighth trash balloon, and began full operation on July 21. With North Korea releasing another trash balloon on this day, it is expected that our military will continue the loudspeaker broadcasts toward the North.

Additional military provocations from North Korea are also anticipated. After recently releasing trash balloons, North Korea has been launching ballistic missiles. Following the trash balloon release on May 28, a short-range ballistic missile was launched on May 30; after the trash balloon release on June 25, a ballistic missile was launched on June 26; and following the trash balloon release on June 26, two ballistic missiles were launched on July 1.

A military official said, "We are maintaining a readiness posture to respond to North Korea's military provocations," and added, "We are closely monitoring the situation."