North Korea ignited global tensions again by launching two ballistic missiles in the early morning of the 1st, just five days after their last inducement.
In response, the presidential office of South Korea held a security situation affirmation meeting presided over by the Deputy Director of the National Security Office to discuss which measures to take for a response with military authorities.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that the military detected a short-range ballistic missile launched northeast from Changyon, Hwanghae Province at around 5:05 AM, and an additional unidentified ballistic missile at around 5:15 AM.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea stated, “The military is strengthening surveillance and alertness in preparation for additional launches,” adding, “We are maintaining a state of full readiness by closely sharing information related to North Korea’s ballistic missiles with U.S. and Japanese authorities.”
North Korea’s ballistic missile provocation comes only five days after they launched a ballistic missile eastward from Pyongyang at around 5:30 AM on June 26, claiming the next day through state media that it was a successful test for acquiring multiple warhead capabilities.
However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff evaluated North Korea’s claim as exaggeration and deception, as the missile flight was unstable from the initial ascent stage and exploded in mid-air, raising the possibility of a hypersonic missile launch.
This provocation by North Korea may be a show of force in protest against the Freedom Edge multi-domain joint drills conducted by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan in the southern waters of Jeju from June 27 to 29.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff strongly condemned North Korea’s missile launch as a clear incitement that seriously threatens the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing, “The South Korean military is closely monitoring North Korea’s various activities under the firm South Korea-U.S. joint defense posture. We will maintain the ability and posture to respond overwhelmingly to any prodding.”
Concerning this, the presidential office held a security situation confirmation meeting immediately after North Korea’s ballistic missile provocation.
According to the presidential office, Deputy Director Yin Sung Hwan of the National Security Office presided over the security situation check meeting for about 20 minutes from 6:40 AM, corroborating the provocation intentions and response posture.
