South Korea has raised concerns over North Korea’s successful launch of its “Malligyong-1” satellite into orbit, suspecting Russian support behind the achievement.
This has escalated animosities between the Koreas, jeopardising a past reconciliation deal and prompting hostile actions along their fortified border.
North Korea, after two failed launch attempts earlier this year, claimed success in placing its satellite into orbit on Tuesday.
While South Korea’s military confirmed the satellite’s orbit, it is still assessing its functionality, expecting conclusive results in the coming days.
During a closed-door briefing, South Korea’s intelligence agency informed lawmakers that Russian assistance likely played a crucial role in the successful launch.
The National Intelligence Service cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s earlier commitment to supporting North Korea’s satellite programme, revealing intelligence that North Korea had shared the design and data for its rocket with Russia.
South Korean Defence Minister Shin Wonsik stressed Russia’s apparent technological assistance for North Korea’s satellite programme. The suspicion of Russian involvement has been fuelled by previous interactions between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Putin, including a summit held at Russia’s primary space launch centre.
The repeated use of the same satellite and rocket in all three launches, despite two previous failures, raises concerns about Russia’s potential role in providing technological support. Speculation has circulated about Russia aiding North Korea in various programmes since the Kim-Putin summit in September.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan have accused North Korea of acquiring advanced Russian military technologies in exchange for supplying conventional arms for Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Both countries deny any such deal.
North Korea announced that its Malligyong-1 satellite would commence its official mission on December 1, claiming to have transmitted images of U.S. military facilities in Guam.
Foreign experts remain skeptical about the satellite’s capabilities, questioning its ability to capture high-resolution images.
Defence Minister Shin expressed concerns that Russia might assist North Korea in producing higher-resolution satellite photos. South Korean, US and Japanese authorities aim to determine the satellite’s functionality in the coming days.
In response to the satellite launch, South Korea partially suspended a 2018 agreement to reduce tensions with North Korea, resuming surveillance activities along the border. The decision prompted North Korea’s Defence Ministry to announce the deployment of more powerful weapons at the border, rejecting the 2018 deal and escalating tensions.
The UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launching satellites, considering them disguised tests of long-range missile technology. North Korea argues for its sovereign right to launch spy satellites in response to perceived US-led military threats.
