Editor's Note

This month’s NK Update covers North Korea’s military advancements, such as successful tests of an underwater strategic weapon system and the Hwasongpho-18 ICBM variant. It also includes an overview of the Washington Declaration adopted during the US-South Korea summit in April 2023, reaffirming their commitment to the stability of the region.

In April, North Korea intensified its military development, conducting various tests and expressing strong criticism of the US-South Korea joint military exercise. They conducted a successful test of their underwater strategic weapon system and tested a new type of ICBM called Hwasongpho-18. These developments increased tensions in the region and raised concerns about North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the US for the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korea Alliance and held a summit meeting with President Biden. They expressed shared concerns about North Korea’s threat, emphasized the need for unity among allied nations, and reaffirmed their commitment to defense, including through enhanced extended deterrence through the Washington Declaration.

 

North Korea’s Military Development and the Solid Fuel ICBM test

Building on the tensions that arose last month, North Korea has expressed strong criticism and heightened vigilance in response to the US-South Korea joint military exercise, code-named ‘Freedom Shield,' which lasted for a record-breaking 11 days from March 13. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published a commentary denouncing the exercise and warning that it reminded the nation of the war calamity of June 1950. The commentary implied North Korea’s readiness to respond aggressively if necessary, reflecting the escalating tensions. Continuing their military activities, North Korea’s national defense science research institute conducted a test of its underwater strategic weapon system, named “Haeil-2,” from April 4 to 7. North Korea's underwater nuclear attack drone, the Haeil-2, achieved a successful 1,000 km simulated journey underwater for 71 hours and 6 minutes. The test culminated with a precise warhead detonation near the designated target area off the coast of Tanchon City, South Hamgyong Province.

On April 11, the 6th Enlarged Meeting of the 8th Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) was held. During this meeting, the US-South Korea joint military actions were criticized, and discussions revolved around enhancing defense capabilities and developing various military action proposals. North Korea expressed its commitment to bolstering its “strong defense capability and overwhelming offensive force” in response to the deteriorating security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Simultaneously, on April 12, the 25th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) focused on adopting a law for the management of sci-tech talents. This move aims to exercise unified state control and administration over talents in the sci-tech field, potentially enhancing North Korea’s military capabilities. In a significant development, on April 13, North Korea conducted a test-fire of a new type of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) called Hwasongpho-18. The test aimed to verify the performance of high-thrust solid-fuel engines, stage-jettisoning technology, and functional control systems. Solid fuel, unlike liquid fuel, allows for quick insertion and immediate firing, making it harder to detect and prevent in advance. The development of the Hwasongpho-18 ICBM is expected to significantly reshape North Korea’s strategic deterrence capabilities and increase the practicality of its offensive military strategy.

Adrienne Watson, the US NSC Spokesperson, strongly condemns North Korea’s test of a long-range ballistic missile. She warned that this brazen violation of UN Security Council resolutions raises tensions and risks destabilizing the region’s security. The 13th Defense Trilateral Talks between the United States, Japan, and South Korea were also held in Washington, D.C., on April 14, 2023, in response to North Korea’s military build-up. The three defense officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolster trilateral security cooperation and deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. They also discussed the regularization of missile defense and anti-submarine exercises, as well as the resumption of trilateral exercises to maintain peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea resumed their "two-plus-two" diplomacy and security dialogue after a five-year hiatus, following an agreement reached during the Korea/Japan summit on March 16. The focus was on promptly resuming various councils and engaging in discussions to enhance communication and foster a cooperative security framework. Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, attributed the recent tensions on the Korean Peninsula to specific factors, highlighting the negative impact of extensive US military drills and the deployment of strategic weapons in the region.

 

Korea-U.S. 70th Anniversary Summit and Washington Declaration

On April 26, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the United States to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korea Alliance, where he held a summit meeting with US President Biden. In the Leaders’ Joint Statement, The two leaders expressed their shared concerns regarding the growing threat posed by North Korea and reaffirmed their strong commitment to the defense of their respective nations, including through the enhancement of extended deterrence.

In his address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, President Yoon emphasized the urgent need for unity and determination among allied nations to deter North Korea’s reckless behavior, particularly its nuclear program and missile provocations. To confront the escalating nuclear threats, President Yoon announced a strengthened the US extended deterrence in collaboration with the United States. Additionally, he expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue on North Korea's denuclearization through the “Audacious Initiative.” This proposal offers significant economic improvements and improved livelihoods for North Korea if it agrees to halt its nuclear program and commit to a substantive denuclearization process. President Yoon underscored the historical significance of the Korean Peninsula's struggle for freedom and democracy, highlighting the divergent paths chosen by South Korea and North Korea. He drew upon the lessons learned during and after the Korean War, emphasizing the critical role of the government in upholding freedom and safeguarding the rights of its people. Furthermore, President Yoon stressed the importance of solidarity among democratic nations, recognizing the shared responsibility to uphold these fundamental values. By emphasizing the government’s commitment to democracy, he sought to galvanize support for collective action against the nuclear threats posed by North Korea.

Most importantly, President Biden and President Yoon have reaffirmed their commitment to a strong mutual defense relationship through the Washington Declaration. The declaration highlights the importance of extended deterrence in addressing the growing nuclear threats from North Korea. South Korea expressed confidence in the US’ extended deterrence commitments and recognized the significance of its reliance on the US nuclear deterrent. To enhance cooperation on nuclear deterrence, the leaders established a Nuclear Consultative Group, aiming to facilitate dialogue, information sharing, and joint decision-making. They emphasized the need for coordinated planning and response to potential nuclear contingencies. President Biden reiterated the unwavering support of the US for South Korea and its commitment to respond swiftly and decisively in the event of a nuclear attack by North Korea. The Alliance pledged to strengthen its bodies for extended deterrence consultations and conduct simulations to improve joint planning. Measures to strengthen their alliance include increased deployment of US strategic assets, enhanced interconnectedness between South Korea’s capabilities and the combined force structure, participation in defense exercises, and regional cooperation on maritime security. These initiatives aim to address regional threats and ensure a coordinated and prepared response. Notably, at the press conference for the Yoon-Biden summit, President Biden made it clear that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would result in the regime's demise.

Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the WPK in North Korea, has responded to the recent US-South Korea Summit Meeting. Kim expressed criticism towards the Washington Declaration, perceiving it as a result of the hostile policies pursued by the US and South Korea against North Korea. She argued that such actions would pose a threat to the already unstable regional environment. Kim specifically took issue with President Biden’s use of the phrase “the end of whatever regime” and cautioned about the potential consequences of such rhetoric. She emphasized North Korea’s determination to strengthen its nuclear deterrent and exercise its right to self-defense in the face of perceived threats from the US and South Korea. In response to Biden’s remark, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stressed the importance of a constructive approach from all sides to resolve the complex situation on the Korean Peninsula.

While both sides frame their actions within the context of security defense, the simultaneous build-up of nuclear weapons and the development of nuclear strategies create a dynamic that fuels the nuclear arms race. Given the potential catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons, which transcend national borders, it becomes imperative for the regional parties to actively seek avenues for constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement. These efforts are essential to de-escalate tensions, promote non-proliferation efforts, and ultimately work towards a peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. In particular, within the framework of the US-South Korean security alliance, the South Korean government has a crucial role to play. It is necessary to refine the Audacious Initiative more elaborately, enabling it to serve as a comprehensive roadmap for negotiations with North Korea. It should devise a strategic approach that prioritizes regional peace and the preservation of North Korea’s people and territory. By adopting a logic centered on these principles, South Korea can present a compelling case for nuclear talks, one that North Korea cannot easily dismiss. Such an approach aims to eliminate any justification for North Korea to further build up its weaponry and provides a pathway for meaningful negotiations.


 

Minah Kang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University. 

 


 

Typeset by Junghoo Park, Research Associate
    For inquiries: 02 2277 1683 (ext. 205) | jhpark@eai.or.kr
 

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