Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Shared information and discussed countermeasures against the ballistic missile fired by North Korea

The Korean and Japanese Defense Ministers held a phone conversation discussing the topic of possible countermeasures against North Korean nuclear and missile threats. According to the Ministry of National Defense, on May 15, Minister Han Min-koo had a twenty-minute discussion at 10 a.m. with his Japanese counterpart Inada Tomomi over the phone, sharing information relevant to the ballistic missile fired on the 14th and exchanging of views on future plans to combat any threats.

The MND explained that it was the Japanese side who requested the phone call. Both ministers strongly condemned North Korea for firing a ballistic missile and agreed to flatly respond to its provocation through close cooperation.

“Less likely to secure the technology for atmospheric reentry”

Meanwhile, the MND said at a regular briefing, “Korea and the U.S. have been sharing technical information related to the announcement of North Korea, such as launch altitude, flight distance, etc. of the ballistic missile fired yesterday. We need additional verification of the technical features and the engine’s credibility. But for now, the possibility that North Korea has the technology to reenter the atmosphere is low.”

As for the unusual movement detected in relation to the nuclear experiment in Punggye-ri, a relevant official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, “As I said several times before, we evaluated that the Punggye-ri nuclear testing ground is available any time the leaders of North Korea come to a resolution, so agencies of Korea and the U.S. have been keeping their eyes open on the situation with great interest.”

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >

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