North Korea has informed Japan of its intention to launch a rocket carrying a satellite sometime between today, May 27th, and June 3rd, according to Kyodo News citing Japan’s coast guard. This eight-day launch window coincides with a crucial trilateral summit in Seoul today, where South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are scheduled to discuss, among other things, the evolving threats posed by North Korea.
The launch notification designates three potential impact zones for falling debris: two areas west of the Korean Peninsula and one east of Luzon Island in the Philippines. This announcement follows Pyongyang’s public declaration earlier this year of launching three additional satellites in 2024, building upon their successful launch of a military reconnaissance satellite in November 2023.
International Concerns and South Korea’s Response
The planned launch has been met with international criticism. The technology used in launching satellites can be closely linked to ballistic missile development, which violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“North Korea’s purported military spy satellite launch is a provocative act that breaches the UN Security Council resolutions,” stated Colonel Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Our military will implement measures that demonstrate our powerful capability and determination,” he added during a regular press briefing.
South Korea’s military had already detected signs of activity at a launch site on North Korea’s west coast, suggesting preparations for a potential military spy satellite launch last week. Experts believe this push for satellite technology reflects North Korea’s desire to bolster its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Despite advancements in other weapon systems, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear weapons, North Korea lags far behind its regional rivals in terms of ISR technology.
This planned launch adds another layer of tension to an already complex geopolitical situation in the region. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation and North Korea’s actions in the coming days.