South Korea Alleges Russian Assistance in North Korea’s Failed Satellite Launch
In a significant revelation, South Korean lawmakers have claimed that North Korea’s failed satellite launch in May might have been supported by Russian technology. This assertion, made by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), has sparked concerns about the increasing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Failed Satellite Launch and Suspected Russian Support
On May 31, North Korea’s attempt to deploy a reconnaissance satellite ended disastrously when the satellite exploded shortly after lift-off. The North Korean regime had boasted of using a new “liquid oxygen and petroleum engine” for this mission. However, the NIS has indicated that there are no signs of North Korea having developed such advanced technology independently.
“Given that liquid oxygen and kerosene were used in the engine for the first time, they had likely received Russian support,” remarked Lee Seong-kweun, a member of South Korea’s parliamentary intelligence committee, following a briefing from the NIS.
Historical Context and Military Collaboration
The NIS’s findings are not without precedent. In November of the previous year, North Korea successfully launched its first reconnaissance satellite, a feat achieved just two months after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia. During this visit, President Vladimir Putin reportedly promised to assist North Korea in building satellite technology.
The strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea was further solidified when Putin visited Pyongyang in June. During this visit, both nations signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement, committing to intensified military cooperation. Despite their denials of any arms transactions, the cooperation between Russia and North Korea appears to be strengthening.
Leadership Succession in North Korea
In an unexpected revelation, the NIS also reported on the potential grooming of Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, for leadership. While North Korean state media has occasionally highlighted her public appearances, there has been no official word on her political future. This move hints at a potential continuation of the Kim dynasty in North Korea’s leadership.
Implications for US-South Korea Relations
The briefing also addressed the recent indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA official and foreign policy expert. Terry has been accused of acting as an unregistered agent for South Korea, receiving luxury goods and other gifts in return. Despite this incident, the NIS assured that the intelligence cooperation between the United States and South Korea remains unaffected and is, in fact, expanding.
“The NIS said they’re working hard to learn a lesson from this,” commented Park Sun-won, another member of the intelligence committee. “But there are no major problems with intelligence cooperation between the two countries, and it is actually expanding.”
Conclusion
The allegations of Russian involvement in North Korea’s satellite program highlight the intricate and shifting geopolitical landscape in East Asia. As North Korea continues to push forward with its military advancements, potentially with Russian assistance, the international community will be watching closely.
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