SEOUL — South Korea’s unification minister, Kim Yung-ho, indicated on Monday that North Korea is possibly receiving technical support from Russia for the launch of a military spy satellite, with expectations of a launch once technical issues are resolved.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during his 100th day in office meeting with reporters, there is substantial speculation about North Korea being in the advanced stages of preparation for a third satellite launch attempt, following two unsuccessful ones in May and August.
Kim’s statement comes amid ongoing analysis of North Korea’s potential military advancements and strategic partnerships. The minister highlighted that there is difficulty in forecasting the timing of the next launch attempt but underscored the visible signs of Russian technical assistance.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia in September, where he met with President Vladimir Putin, has fueled conjecture regarding an arms deal that may involve technology transfers, including those for a spy satellite and possibly a nuclear-powered submarine.
While North Korea had previously announced intentions to launch the satellite in October, the plans appear to be postponed as the nation continues to engage with Russian support, stated Seoul’s top official on North Korean affairs.
Kim Yung-ho emphasized the high likelihood of North Korean provocations following the rectification of technical setbacks. He also expressed concern that Russia’s purported satellite technology transfer could breach United Nations Security Council resolutions, asserting that South Korea, in concert with the United States, would address any violations decisively.
The Unification Minister also touched upon the subject of North Korea’s leadership succession, pointing to the frequent public appearances of leader Kim Jong-un’s daughter, potentially named Ju-ae. Her visibility has been linked to the notion of hereditary succession within the regime.
Additionally, the recent announcement by North Korea, declaring November 18 as “missile industry day” to commemorate the launch of a Hwasong-17 ICBM, was connected to Ju-ae’s first public appearance by the minister. He noted that her appearances have been strategically oriented towards the military sector, including a military parade earlier this year.
The South Korean military acknowledges the possibility that the spy satellite could be launched in conjunction with the missile industry day celebrations, aligning with the anniversary of Ju-ae’s introduction to the public sphere.