Kim Jong-un's sister asserts North Korea's determination to successfully deploy spy satellite
North Korea's Kim Jong-un's influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, has made a resolute declaration that Pyongyang will soon successfully place a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. This comes just a day after the country's attempt to launch a spy satellite ended in failure.
Kim Yo Jong's remarks were reported by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), where she also criticized the United States for denouncing North Korea's failed launch.
According to the KCNA statement, Kim Yo Jong firmly stated, "If North Korea's satellite launch should be particularly censured, the US and all other countries, which have already launched thousands of satellites, should be denounced."
She defended North Korea's pursuit of satellite technology by highlighting the double standards of nations that have already developed and launched their own satellites.
Kim Yo Jong's statement continued with her assertion that North Korea will soon place their military reconnaissance satellite into orbit and commence its mission.
She emphasized the significance of North Korea's access to exceptional reconnaissance and information-gathering resources, including reconnaissance satellites.
Recognizing the importance of such capabilities, she emphasized the need for North Korea to further focus on developing advanced means of reconnaissance.
Kim Yo Jong, who serves as the vice department director of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party, also criticized the UN Security Council's resolutions that prohibit North Korea's use of ballistic technology.
She referred to these resolutions as "gangster-like" and claimed that they violated North Korea's right to utilize space for peaceful purposes, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Furthermore, Kim Yo Jong reiterated North Korea's disinterest in engaging in talks with the United States, citing Washington's "hostile policy" towards Pyongyang.
She made it clear that there was no basis for dialogue and emphasized that North Korea would continue to counteract with a more assertive attitude.
Kim stated that the extension of the hostile policy would yield no benefits for the US and its allies, reaffirming North Korea's commitment to its own path.
The failed launch occurred when North Korea fired the rocket towards the south, but it veered off course and ultimately fell into the Yellow Sea after experiencing an "abnormal" flight, according to Seoul's military.
North Korea confirmed the failure and attributed it to an abnormal starting of the second-stage engine of their new rocket, named "Chollima-1." The rocket was carrying a military reconnaissance satellite known as "Malligyong-1."
Despite the setback, North Korea expressed its determination to conduct a second launch in the near future.
The latest launch by North Korea has drawn immediate condemnation from South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
The international community's response highlights the heightened tensions in the region, as North Korea remains steadfast in its pursuit of successfully deploying a military reconnaissance satellite.
The development of such capabilities could significantly impact the security dynamics in the area, raising concerns among neighboring nations and beyond.