North Korea’s Satellite Delay Tied to Russian Technical Support, Says South Korean Minister

On December 6, South Korea’s Minister of Unification, Kim Young-ho, suggested that North Korea’s delayed launch of its third reconnaissance satellite, which was announced to take place in October, seems to be linked to technical support from Russia.

In a meeting with the press, Minister Kim said, “There seems to be evidence that North Korea is receiving technical support from Russia related to the reconnaissance satellite launch,” and projected that “If it is determined that improvements have been made through technical support from Russia after the second launch failure, they will proceed with the launch.”

He further stated that “North Korea-Russia military cooperation and technology transfer threaten not only the Korean Peninsula but also the peace and security of the international community. We will strongly respond in cooperation with the international community, including the United States,” describing it as a “clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution.”

Regarding the continuous appearances of Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un, he said, “We cannot rule out the possibility that Kim Ju-ae could be a successor,” and “She has appeared 16 times so far, and we believe they continue to bring out Kim Ju-ae to show their will for succession to both domestic and foreign audiences.”

He also analyzed, “Emphasizing the will for succession means that the internal situation in North Korea is not good,” and “The North Korean regime needs results to maintain its rule, but due to the lack of results and legitimacy, it seems they are trying to induce loyalty from the residents and elites by emphasizing the will for succession through Kim Ju-ae’s appearances.”

Minister Kim added, “It also seems relevant that North Korea designated November 18 as ‘Missile Industry Day,’ which is when Kim Ju-ae first appeared. There appears to be an intention to attribute meaning to November 18.”

Additionally, regarding the possibility of Kim Ju-ae as a successor, Minister Kim pointed out, “One more thing to note is the scene where (North Korean military officials) kneel,” and “Just like O Jin-u knelt during Kim Jong-il’s time, the same scene of Park Jung-cheon kneeling to Kim Ju-ae is being repeated. We need to consider the possibility of Kim Ju-ae being a successor.”

By. Choi Yoon Sun