The National Security Office of the Blue House condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launch on April 19 as a provocative act violating United Nations Security Council resolutions, demanding an immediate cessation of such activities.
Blue House Press Secretary Kang Yu-jung reported through a written statement that an emergency security assessment meeting was convened with relevant agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, led by Kim Hyun-jong, the Deputy National Security Advisor.
Earlier that day, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea from the Sinpo area in South Hamgyong Province.
During this meeting, officials analyzed the impact of North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launch on South Korea’s national security, noting it was the first such launch in 11 days since the previous one on April 8. They also reviewed necessary countermeasures.
Kang stated that as President Lee Jae Myung begins his state visits to India and Vietnam today, he has directed relevant agencies to maintain heightened vigilance and readiness.
The Press Secretary expressed deep concern over the recent uptick in North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and called for an immediate halt to these provocations.
Kang confirmed that the National Security Office had briefed President Lee on the latest launch and the measures taken in response.
Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that its forces detected multiple unidentified ballistic missiles launched into the East Sea from the Sinpo area at approximately 6:10 a.m. (South Korean time) on April 19.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that its military has heightened surveillance and readiness in preparation for potential further launches. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are closely sharing intelligence on North Korea’s ballistic missile activities to maintain maximum preparedness.
On the morning of April 8, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea from the Wonsan area in South Hamgyong Province. These missiles traveled approximately 240 km (about 149 miles). A single SRBM launched later that afternoon reportedly flew over 700 km (about 435 miles) towards the East Sea.
On April 7, North Korea also attempted to fire an unidentified projectile, which reportedly malfunctioned shortly after launch and was presumed lost.