North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile One Day After US-South Korea-Japan Drills

 

North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea on September 12, a move analysts suggest is a response to recent joint military exercises conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that multiple ballistic missiles were detected being launched from the Wonsan area at approximately 5:20 a.m. They added that military readiness has been heightened in anticipation of further launches, with the three nations sharing information closely regarding North Korea's missile activities.

This missile launch occurred just one day after the conclusion of the Freedom Shield exercises, which took place from September 7 to 11 in the waters southeast of Jeju. Analysts view this as a direct reaction to those drills.

The Freedom Shield exercises, first held in June 2024, are designed to address North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and enhance interoperability among the three nations. North Korea has criticized these drills as a demonstration of US-led aggression.

This marks North Korea's first ballistic missile launch since August 20, coinciding with the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises conducted by US and South Korean forces. This year alone, North Korea has launched ballistic missiles 13 times.
 

The Democratic Party of Korea is grappling with internal concerns regarding the nomination of Yong Hye-in as Minister of Gender Equality and Family. There are growing fears that appointing her could further alienate young voters, especially as the party's support among this demographic has been declining.

Spokesperson Jo Gye-won stated during a briefing on September 12 that the party is closely monitoring public sentiment, particularly among the youth, and emphasized the need for a response to the rising discontent.

When asked about the possibility of resolving Yong's candidacy soon, Jo acknowledged various opinions within the party and suggested that leadership may soon address the issue.

The Democratic Party is set to hold a high-level meeting on September 13, where discussions regarding this matter are expected to take place. Jo reiterated the importance of assessing public sentiment and discussing appropriate measures.
 

On September 12, Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, responded to inquiries about whether he would direct the Ministry of Justice or the prosecution to review the cancellation of criminal charges against President Lee. He stated, "I will ensure that the ministry operates fairly according to laws and regulations, and I will thoroughly supervise the prosecution to maintain its political neutrality and fairness."

According to Yonhap News, Kim made these remarks in a written response to a question from Joo Jin-woo, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, during a session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Kim's past involvement as a co-representative of a group advocating for the cancellation of charges against President Lee has raised concerns. He clarified that he would separate his political activities as a lawmaker from his duties as a minister, ensuring that his previous positions do not influence case handling or personnel decisions.

Kim, who led the push for amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act to abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers, reiterated his stance that it is appropriate to completely separate investigation and prosecution and to focus on the prosecution's primary role of initiating and maintaining charges.

As he prepares to assume office, Kim is tasked with minimizing the negative impacts of abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers. He stated that he would ensure thorough follow-up measures, including the revision of relevant laws, and actively collaborate with related agencies to establish a new criminal justice system.
 

Leaders of the BRICS nations, a group of emerging economies led by China and Russia, gathered in New Delhi, India, as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues for over six months. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a permanent ceasefire, opposing "sovereignty violations" and "interference in internal affairs." Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also attended, drawing attention to the joint message BRICS may deliver to the US.

The 18th BRICS summit commenced on September 12 at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Center in New Delhi and will run for two days until September 13.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS, with both Xi and Putin attending in person. Raisi, currently engaged in conflict with the US, also made the trip to New Delhi. The three leaders met again following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the end of last month.

Key topics at this summit include the Iran conflict, trade, food and energy security, and supply chain development. On the first day, leaders held a closed-door meeting focused on "inclusive global cooperation and strengthening multilateralism."

In his speech, Xi emphasized Middle Eastern issues, stating, "We must oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontations, as well as violations of other countries' sovereignty and interference in internal affairs. BRICS will play a proper role in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region."

He added, "The Middle Eastern conflict has caused serious harm to the people of the region and does not align with the common interests of the international community," urging all parties involved to adhere to a political resolution and pursue a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. Although he did not directly mention the US, his remarks were interpreted as aimed at the US, which is currently engaged in conflict with Iran.