North Korea: Pyongyang confirms failed satellite launch from Cholsan County, May 31, due to technical problems /update 1

Event

North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite at around 06:27 KST May 31 from Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province. Pyongyang confirmed the launch failed due to technical problems, and the projectile fell into the Yellow Sea with no reports of damage or casualties. The launch prompted authorities in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture to alert residents to seek shelter the morning of May 31.

North Korean officials also said a repeat launch would occur in the coming days; they had earlier announced plans for a satellite launch May 31-June 11. Japan has placed its ballistic missile defense systems on alert and warned it would destroy projectiles landing in its territory. Localized measures, including orders to evacuate or seek shelter and the precautionary suspensions of transport lines, may affect areas in any estimated future projectile landing zones in Japan and South Korea.

Context

North Korea has intensified missile launches and weapon testing in the previous months, including the launch of a solid-fuel missile indicating the continued expansion of North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks.

Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.