<Anchor> It



is evaluated that the submarine ballistic missile SLBM launched by North Korea yesterday (19th) is small with a range of less than 600 km and has not crossed the so-called red line of the United States. While the US condemned the missile launch, it disclosed that it had direct contact with North Korea and called for dialogue.



Correspondent Kim A-young.



<Reporter>



An SLBM fired from underwater, the engine protective cover is removed and soars into the sky with flames.



These are scenes that North Korea released yesterday saying it test-fired a new SLBM.



The small SLBM unveiled at the Defense Development Exhibition on the 11th seems to have been launched from a 2,000-ton whale-class submarine.



The size has become smaller and the warhead has become more agile, but it is analyzed that it is an improved version of the North Korean version of the Iskander ballistic missile.



He said he could even do so-called pull-up maneuvers, which respawn at the end of the flight, but if true, the intercept would be more difficult.



However, experts say that North Korea has kept the US red line and the red line that the existing submarine fired at a short range of 590 km.



[Jeong Dae-jin / Director of the Peace Center at the Hanpyeong Policy Research Institute: If North Korea wants to cross the red line, it has to stop reporting the news of the launch of the SLBM on a large scale and the observation of Chairman Kim Jong-un. I didn't even do that unnecessary stimulation... .]



Even if it is a short range, it is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, but the ROK and the US are still focusing on dialogue.



Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, who appeared in the chief of state inspection, said that a prerequisite for reviewing sanctions relief on North Korea is that North Korea responds to dialogue.



The White House condemned North Korea, but said:



[Jen Saki/White House Spokesperson: These missile launches underscore the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy.]



Deputy Secretary of State Sherman said he was ready to meet without any preconditions after he made public his direct contact with North Korea.



When and when only the contact information was disclosed without explaining to anyone, it seems to be an intention to hand over the ball to North Korea while announcing diplomatic efforts.



(Video editing: Kim Jong-mi)