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Is Kim Jong Un Ready for Another Big Launch? Speculation Grows After May’s Failure

Daniel Kim Views  

National Security Advisor Shin Won Sik addresses North Korea\'s ICBM launch on October 31 (NSC Standing Committee meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul). / Presidential Office
National Security Advisor Shin Won Sik addresses North Korea’s ICBM launch on October 31 (NSC Standing Committee meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul). / Presidential Office

National Security Advisor Shin Won Sik speculates that North Korea will likely attempt another military reconnaissance satellite launch before the end of the year. This follows Pyongyang’s failed attempt in May when the satellite exploded mid-flight.

In a recent interview with Yonhap News TV, Shin stated, “We assess a high probability of a launch attempt before the end of the year,” in a recent interview with Yonhap News TV.

“It has been six months since the announcement (referring to the failed launch) on May 27, which is an unusually long time. This seems to be because North Korea is taking time to refine and integrate its new launch system and propulsion system. Until last year, North Korea used propulsion systems developed domestically, but now they are upgrading to an ultra-low-temperature propulsion system introduced by Russia. This system combines liquid oxygen and heavy oil.”

Shin clarified there are no immediate signs of launch preparations at the Dongchang-ri site, “Typically, it takes three to five days to assemble and erect the launch pad at Dongchang-ri. While we haven’t observed any imminent movement, we believe preparations are in their final phase.”

Shin was cautious when addressing reports of potential Russian nuclear submarine technology transfer: “We can’t confirm this as fact yet, but we are closely monitoring the situation. Some signs of assembled equipment have been introduced. We have confirmed that equipment and surface-to-air missiles aimed at reinforcing Pyongyang’s vulnerable air defense network have been brought in from Russia and deployed near Pyongyang.”

He did not rule out the possibility of a potential visit by the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia, saying, “It could be a reciprocal visit following Putin’s trip to North Korea in June. Given that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s recent visit didn’t include a meeting with Putin, Kim’s visit might serve as a gesture of appreciation for North Korea’s military support to Russia. While we must continue to monitor developments, we can’t dismiss the possibility of Kim Jong Un visiting Moscow.”

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

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