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North Korea fired two cruise missiles yesterday (17th), the 100th anniversary of President Yun Seok-yeol's inauguration.
The first reaction to President Yoon's 'bold initiative' was a missile launch, and reporter Bae Jun-woo will tell you what it means.
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North Korea fired two cruise missiles at dawn yesterday (17th).
This is the 22nd provocation this year, the first in more than two months since the launch of a short-range ballistic missile on June 5.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff detected that the missile was launched into the West Sea from Oncheon in South Pyongan Province, a coastal area, and is analyzing specific specifications such as the launch interval, altitude, and range of the missile.
Although cruise missiles have a shorter range than ballistic missiles, they can accurately strike with an error range of only a few meters, so they are evaluated as weapons for South Korea.
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In addition, as it is not subject to UN Security Council sanctions, North Korea has been continuously investing in the development of cruise missiles, and has conducted more than 10 test-fires over the past two years.
In particular, this provocation seems to contain a 'message' about the South's proposal.
It is evaluated that the 'bold initiative' that North Korea will provide comprehensive economic support if it denuclearizes has not shown any response, but the provocation was made in line with the 100th day of his inauguration yesterday, two days after he took office.
There are also observations that it is a 'signal shot' to resume armed provocations in earnest, which has been quiet for more than two months, along with the check-up of the ROK-U.S. joint pre-training exercise that started yesterday.
Immediately after the North Korean provocation, Director of the National Security Office Kim Seong-han held a security situation review meeting to check the readiness posture of the military, and it is said that President Yun Seok-yeol received a report on the missile launch before the press conference.