South Korea has imposed sanctions on a North Korean company and its employees involved in the development of weapons, including drones, and the financing of North Korea’s weapons programs through IT operations. The move is a response to North Korea’s recent violations of UN sanctions, including a failed attempt to launch a spy satellite using ballistic missile technology. The sanctions, announced by South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, prohibit any exchanges with the sanctioned firm, Ryugyong, and its five employees, including the chief and senior officials, without prior approval from authorities. The primary goal of these sanctions is to prevent North Korea from using such tests as a pretext for advancing its missile technology. South Korea also aims to strengthen international cooperation against North Korean aggression.
In recent developments, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, citing these actions as retaliation for joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States, which it views as a rehearsal for invasion. These events have further strained diplomatic efforts and increased regional tensions. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has refused to engage in disarmament talks unless the United States changes its North Korea policy, which he perceives as hostile. Diplomatic negotiations on denuclearization have been stagnant since October 2019, and the current momentum for diplomacy remains low. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration in South Korea has advocated for a tougher approach towards North Korea, emphasizing a nuclear deal with the United States to enhance Seoul’s influence in managing nuclear assets.
(Source: Choi Si-young | The Korean Herald)
