N. Korea to Launch Satellite-Bearing Rocket

North Korea has notified Japan of its plans to launch a rocket carrying a satellite toward the Yellow Sea and Luzon Island between May 27 and June 4, according to the Japanese Coast Guard on Monday.

Later, South Korea's government confirmed that North Korea issued a notice regarding the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite on Monday. If successful, this would be Pyongyang's second spy satellite to enter orbit.

The announcement comes ahead of a trilateral summit between Japan, South Korea, and China, set for Monday.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held telephone talks in response to the notification, expressing the view that North Korea's satellite launch using ballistic missile technology would violate United Nations resolutions.

In an email statement, the ministry added that the officials agreed to demand that North Korea cancel the planned launch.

South Korea's government also urged Pyongyang to halt the launch, noting that it violates UN Security Council resolutions and poses a serious threat to regional security.

The South Korean military separately stated that the so-called military reconnaissance satellite launch would be a provocative act.

Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-jun emphasized in a press conference, "Our military will take actions that demonstrate our strong capabilities and resolve," without providing further details.

North Korea launched its first spy satellite in November last year, successfully placing it in orbit after two previous failed attempts in 2023. Pyongyang claimed the satellite captured images of the White House, the Pentagon, and South Korean military installations, but no images were released.

North Korea has vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year.