[사설] The security reality that foreign media must know about the North Korean missile provocation

The fact that North Korea launched a short-range cruise missile on the 21st was reported by foreign media. The Washington Post reported this by citing multiple sources on the 23rd (local time), and a senior US official immediately confirmed this fact through a briefing. U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned it to the effect that “North Korea has not changed much.” On the 24th, after the US media reports and the defense ministry and the president’s comment, the joint chief said, “We caught the launch of two supposed cruise missiles in the area of ​​Oncheon County in South Pyongan Province on the morning of the 21st.”

Even though the government recognized the North Korean provocation, it did not immediately notify it. Of course, there was an opinion approach between the ROK and US military authorities not to disclose it, but it is noteworthy whether the Korean government insisted on confidentiality. The joint chief explained, “The launch of a cruise missile other than a ballistic missile is not a violation of the resolution of the UN Security Council and does not disclose all information related to North Korea.” However, when North Korea shot a cruise missile on April 14 last year, it was a joint event that was announced without delay. In any case, I hope that our military authorities are not making political judgments on North Korea’s missile provocations while watching Kim Jong-un’s regime.

The disclosure of North Korean provocations by the US media is likely a sign of disagreement between the ROK and US authorities over North Korea policy. Earlier, the US State Department indirectly criticized the Moon Jae-in regime, which closed its eyes to North Korean human rights, by pointing out the human rights issue in South Korea through the human rights report, citing the reduction of freedom of expression, allegations of corruption, and sexual harassment by some local government heads. Nevertheless, the government finally abandoned the participation of the UN Human Rights Council as a joint sponsor of the North Korean human rights resolution and boarded a different boat than the United States. Security anxiety should no longer be raised by crossing the beat with the United States. In addition, the security reality that North Korea’s provocations must be known through foreign media is not normal.

/ Editorial Committee Room

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