 have a 610 km range, reaching Chungcheong Province.){kind=link}
South Korea’s spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), revealed that North Korea’s recently disclosed short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) have a range of about 610 km (approximately 380 miles). They can potentially reach regions as far as Chungcheong Province.
The NIS made this statement during a National Assembly Intelligence Committee meeting on the same day, as reported by lawmakers Lee Seong Kwon from the People Power Party and Park Sun Won from the Democratic Party.
The agency explained, “On August 5, North Korea publicly displayed 250 launchers for a new type of short-range ballistic missile known as the CRBM,” adding that reports are suggesting Kim Jong Un is prepared to attack South Korea at any time. The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, identified the CRBM, which is believed to be the Hwasong-11-Ra, on the same day.
In response, the NIS questioned, “Is it feasible to deploy 250 launchers, each capable of holding four missiles?” They also noted, “Given North Korea’s military support from Russia, there are doubts about whether North Korea can realistically procure such a large quantity of missiles.”
The NIS addressed recent flooding near the Yalu River, stating that while significant damage has been reported in North Pyongan Province, the most severe impact is actually in Jagang Province.
The agency noted, “While North Pyongan Province is getting attention for regime management, there has been no mention or external exposure regarding the substantial damage in Jagang Province. This is quite unusual.” They added, “It is speculated that North Korean military facilities are concentrated in Jagang Province, which may explain the lack of discussion or public exposure and why Kim Jong Un has not visited the area.”
The ruling and opposition parties’ opinions on the recent promotions and transfers of senior officials within the NIS were divided. Lee Seong Gwon of the ruling party stated, “The personnel changes were made based on individual capabilities, with no disciplinary actions involved,” asserting that the process was fair.
In contrast, Park Sun Won of the Democratic Party criticized the appointments, saying, “Using training as a disciplinary tool against experienced and capable officials raises concerns about potential disadvantages and abuse of power in these personnel changes.”
The NIS also addressed the recent exchange of social media messages between an employee and a media outlet, calling it inappropriate and stating, “We are verifying the facts.”
