North Korea prepares to launch satellite, South Korea warns against boat travel

South Korea issued a travel advisory for ships on November 21 after North Korea announced plans to launch a satellite between November 22 and December 1.

The warning came after North Korea informed the Japanese Coast Guard of the plan, saying the satellite would be launched toward the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea.

According to Japan, the announcement clearly stated three sea areas believed to be within the range of possible missile debris, including two areas west of the Korean Peninsula and an area east of the Philippines' Luzon Island.

In response to this information, on November 21, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida asked relevant ministries and agencies to be prepared to respond to a satellite launch from North Korea.

He said Japan will make every effort to collect and analyze information about the launch, and will coordinate with the United States and South Korea to persuade Pyongyang to cancel the plan.

Meanwhile, South Korea said Pyongyang could accelerate its intention to launch the satellite “as early as this week,” and called on the North Korean government to “immediately” stop preparations for the launch.

North Korea initially planned to launch a new satellite in October after two failed launches in August and May this year.