Cho Tae-yong, the head of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, revealed during a meeting with the National Assembly intelligence committee that North Korea's newly unveiled tactical ballistic missile launchers could potentially reach as far as central South Korea. He informed lawmakers that areas within approximately 110 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border might be vulnerable to attacks from these missile launchers. Additionally, the NIS director expressed uncertainty regarding North Korea's capability to produce missiles for use with the newly revealed launchers, as much of its weaponry is purportedly intended for supply to Russia. In a separate development, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong-un oversaw the delivery of the missile launchers to the border with South Korea, emphasizing that this showcase marked the initial phase of an expansion of the missile force program for the North Korean military's border units. The NIS director also highlighted Kim's recent public engagements, noting that the leader's activities since severe flooding occurred have largely been concentrated in the Pyongan area, specifically around Pyongyang, while omitting any mention of Chagang Province, which was severely affected by the flooding. This strategic omission was interpreted as an attempt to shield Chagang Province, which houses numerous military facilities, from external scrutiny.
Cho Tae-yong, the head of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, revealed during a meeting with the National Assembly intelligence committee that North Korea's newly unveiled tactical ballistic missile launchers could potentially reach as far as central South Korea. He informed lawmakers that areas within approximately 110 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border might be vulnerable to attacks from these missile launchers. Additionally, the NIS director expressed uncertainty regarding North Korea's capability to produce missiles for use with the newly revealed launchers, as much of its weaponry is purportedly intended for supply to Russia. In a separate development, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong-un oversaw the delivery of the missile launchers to the border with South Korea, emphasizing that this showcase marked the initial phase of an expansion of the missile force program for the North Korean military's border units. The NIS director also highlighted Kim's recent public engagements, noting that the leader's activities since severe flooding occurred have largely been concentrated in the Pyongan area, specifically around Pyongyang, while omitting any mention of Chagang Province, which was severely affected by the flooding. This strategic omission was interpreted as an attempt to shield Chagang Province, which houses numerous military facilities, from external scrutiny.