By Jeon Han and Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae
May 14, 2017 | Cheong Wa Dae

“North Korea’s launch of another ballistic missile today is not only a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, but also a grave threat to peace and security across the Korean Peninsula and, also, around the world. The Korean government strongly condemns this act.”

President Moon Jae-in was speaking as he convened an urgent session of the National Security Council (NSC) at Cheong Wa Dae, immediately following Pyongyang’s missile launch on May 14.

The president said, “I stressed to the nation in my oath of office on May 10 that I remain committed to doing all I can for the settlement of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Nevertheless, this act of provocation was carried out just a few days after the new government of the Republic of Korea was sworn in. I feel deep regret over this reckless provocation and, at the same time, firmly condemn it.”

The president urged the military to “maintain a firm readiness posture to respond to Pyongyang’s further military provocations, based on the steadfast Korea-U.S. alliance.”

“Diplomatic authorities are required to take necessary action in response to the North’s latest missile threat, in collaboration with the U.S., other allies and the international community,” President Moon said. “Each ministry also should remain committed to its respective task, thoroughly managing any crisis that may come up concerning the North’s provocations, so that the people can make their living without fear of security.”



President Moon stressed that, “Even though we are open to dialogue with the North, we must make a firm response to any form of provocation. Even if dialogue is possible, we should show the North that it’s possible only if Pyongyang change its course and attitude.”

The president called on the military to “strengthen your deterrence against the Northern threats, like beefing up the triaxial system based on the Seoul-Washington alliance.” The president urged the military, in particular, to “speed up its development of an indigenous land-based ballistic missile defense system, known as the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system.”

hanjeon@korea.kr