A South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff official stated today at the Defense Ministry’s international press conference that North Korea’s top decision-makers can launch an intercontinental ballistic missile test at any time once they make such a decision, with the South Korean military maintaining heightened vigilance.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that the official also stated that currently there are no concrete signs of North Korea preparing to test ballistic missiles, and it cannot be confirmed whether North Korea has already developed new intercontinental ballistic missiles. Relevant authorities are currently closely monitoring signs related to North Korea’s ICBM development.
The report indicated that ROK-US intelligence agencies have already obtained intelligence confirming North Korea’s manufacturing of two suspected new intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Additionally, a spokesperson from South Korea’s Unification Ministry also stated at the press conference: “North Korea can provoke at any time, awaiting only a decision from top decision-makers.” However, regarding whether North Korea has completed preparations for testing ICBMs, the official did not provide a direct answer.