The National Security Office of the Blue House convened an emergency security assessment meeting on April 19, chaired by Deputy Director Kim Hyun-jong, in response to North Korea’s launch of ballistic missiles from its submarine base in Sinpo into the East Sea.
Blue House Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung announced that the meeting would be held with relevant agencies to evaluate the security situation following North Korea’s missile launch.
With National Security Advisor Wi Seong-lac accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his state visits to India and Vietnam, the Deputy Director will lead a thorough review of South Korea’s military readiness.
Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that the forces detected multiple unidentified ballistic missiles launched into the East Sea from the Sinpo area in South Hamgyong Province at approximately 6:10 a.m. (South Korean time) on April 19.
The JCS stated that the forces have heightened surveillance and vigilance in anticipation of additional launches. They added that South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are maintaining full readiness while closely sharing intelligence on North Korean ballistic missile activities.
The JCS is currently analyzing the flight paths and specifications of the missiles launched.
On the morning of April 8, North Korea fired 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). Later that afternoon, another SRBM was launched, reportedly flying over 700 km (about 435 miles) towards the East Sea.
On April 7, North Korea also attempted to launch an unidentified projectile, but it malfunctioned shortly after liftoff and was lost.