North Korea to launch first military reconnaissance satellite

A 'crucial final-stage' test in the development of spy satellites at the Sohae Satellite Launching Facility in Cholsan, North Pyongan Province, North Korea, December 18, 2022 (Photo: Yonhap/VNA)

Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesman affirmed that any satellite launch by North Korea would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions banning Pyongyang from launching long-range missiles.

Previously, North Korea informed the Japanese government of its plan to launch a satellite into space between May 31 and June 11.

Shortly afterwards, the South Korean Foreign Ministry urged North Korea to withdraw its satellite launch plan and pledged to cooperate with the international community to respond to Pyongyang's provocative actions.

The South Korean National Security Council (NSC) also convened an emergency meeting following information about North Korea's satellite launch plan.

According to South Korean officials, NSC members discussed countermeasures after receiving a notification from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The NSC conveyed the relevant information to President Yoon Suk-yeol and said the South Korean government "is closely monitoring related developments."

According to VNA