ROK urges DPRK to avoid raising military tension after missile launch

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02:05

The Republic of Korea (ROK) on Saturday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to "stop action that intensifies military tension on the Korean Peninsula," saying it is "very concerned about" the DPRK's firing of short-range projectiles. The government also said Pyongyang's latest action goes against an inter-Korean military agreement.

"We expect North Korea (the DPRK) to actively join efforts towards the fast resumption of denuclearization talks," a presidential spokeswoman said in a statement.

An image showing the Korean Peninsula displayed on a flight of steps in Seoul, the ROK, September 19, 2018. /VCG Photo

The DPRK fired an unidentified short-range missile in the direction of the East Sea at 9:06 a.m. local time (0006 GMT) on Saturday, Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported citing Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The DPRK "fired a missile from its east coast town of Wonsan in the eastern direction," the JCS said in a release.

The report said the ROK and U.S. authorities "are analyzing details of the missile."

The DPRK earlier in April criticized Seoul for conducting military exercises with the U.S. and warned of "corresponding response."

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (2nd R) talks with U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) during the second DPRK-U.S. summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, February 28, 2019. /Reuters Photo

The latest launch was the first missile launch by the DPRK in about 17 months since the country test-fired Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November 2017.

"Our military has been closely watching North Korea's (DPRK) movements and has maintained a full-fledged posture in close coordination with the U.S.," the JCS said.

U.S., ROK agree to cautiously handle DPRK projectile launch

According to Seoul's foreign ministry, ROK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Saturday had telephone talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the launch.

They agreed to conduct additional analyses on the launches and cautiously tackle it while continuing communications.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) shakes hands with visiting ROK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in New York, U.S., July 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

Earlier, the White House said the U.S. knows of the DPRK's latest action and will monitor the situation.

"We are aware of North Korea's (DPRK) actions tonight. We will continue to monitor as necessary," spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Washington and Pyongyang have been at loggerheads since the collapse of a summit between DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump this February.

The talks broke down after the DPRK demanded immediate sanctions relief, but the two sides disagreed on what Pyongyang should give up in return.

Earlier this week, DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui warned Washington of an "unwanted outcome" if it did not adjust its stance on economic sanctions.

The DPRK did not carry out any missile or nuclear tests last year, as Kim held his first historic summit with the leaders of the U.S. and the ROK.

(With input from agencies)

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