SEOUL, South Korea - The South Korean military issued a stern warning to North Korea on Monday, urging it to halt preparations for another military spy satellite launch. The warning comes amidst escalating tensions and concerns over North Korea's increasing military capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, chief director of operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the South Korean defense forces are prepared to take "necessary measures" to protect the country's people and security if North Korea proceeds with the launch. This statement follows Defense Minister Shin Won-sik's indication that Pyongyang might attempt another satellite launch soon, possibly "this week or so."
Kang emphasized the urgency of stopping the launch preparations for the so-called 'military reconnaissance satellite,' warning of the potential repercussions if North Korea disregards this caution. While he did not specify the measures the South might take, there is speculation that the government may consider suspending parts of a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, which aims to reduce military tensions and prevent clashes between the two Koreas.
The 2018 agreement, which established buffer and no-fly zones along the inter-Korean border, has been criticized for limiting South Korea's readiness posture, especially as North Korea has repeatedly breached it over the years.
The possibility of North Korea's launch comes ahead of South Korea's planned launch of its first homegrown reconnaissance satellite on November 30. North Korea has previously made two unsuccessful attempts to put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit in May and August of this year.
Kang described North Korea's potential launch as a provocative act that threatens South Korea's national security and violates U.N. Security Council sanctions, which prohibit North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.
In response to inquiries about the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier's scheduled visit to South Korea and its potential role in deterring North Korea's launch, a JCS official indicated that while the visit was pre-planned, "necessary measures" could be taken in relation to North Korea's actions.
The upcoming arrival of the USS Carl Vinson follows the visit of the USS Ronald Reagan to Busan over a month ago, part of U.S. efforts to reinforce its commitment to South Korea's security against North Korean threats.
Another JCS official noted that while the military is closely monitoring North Korea's preparations, the exact timing of the launch remains uncertain due to North Korea's history of deceptive practices.
The warning from South Korea also arises amidst concerns over North Korea receiving technological support for its weapons program from Russia, following a rare summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. Defense Minister Shin stated that North Korea appears to have nearly resolved its engine problems with Russia's assistance.
North Korea attributed its failed launches this year to technical issues, including an "abnormal" startup of the second-stage engine during its first attempt in May.