[Politics & Diplomacy] N. Korea's military provocations: What message is Pyongyang sending?

끊임없는 북한의 도발과 과시… 그 속에 담겨진 메시지는? North Korea has stepped up its military activities this week, including ballistic missile launches and displays of military hardware. Today, we take a closer look at what's driving Pyongyang's recent moves. Joining us in the studio is our defense correspondent, Park Kun-woo. Welcome. Thanks for having me. Let's begin with the North's recent missile launches. Monday's multiple ballistic missile launches marked Pyongyang's 16th such launch already this year. This comes just four days after Seoul announced its first successful test of a domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle, or HGV. "We assess this as a show of force in response to our successful hypersonic missile test on October 8th. Further analysis is underway." On Tuesday, North Korea released images of what it described as a tactical ballistic missile test. State media claimed the test represented a major breakthrough in the improved performance and precision of its offensive weapons systems. One expert also pointed out a notable change in the North's recent launches. "What we're seeing now is the simultaneous launch of several different types of missiles. In the past, North Korea mainly demonstrated individual weapons systems, such as large-caliber rocket launchers. But now, it's launching different types of missiles at similar angles." I see. And missile launches weren't the only way North Korea showcased its military capabilities this week, right? That's right. North Korea also unveiled a wide range of advanced weapons at its newly opened National Defense Revolution Museum, marking the 81st anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. The exhibition featured everything from hypersonic missiles to new models of submarine-launched ballistic missiles. But perhaps the biggest showcase was the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. In front of its launcher, North Korea displayed a world map suggesting a strike range extending as far as the Middle East, Australia and South America. Analysts say the exhibition was intended to promote the diversity of the regime's nuclear delivery systems and reinforce its claim to being an established nuclear-armed state. "The exhibition serves several purposes. It helps strengthen unity within North Korea by showcasing its nuclear capabilities while also attracting potential foreign buyers. And by displaying ICBMs, Pyongyang is sending a clear message to Washington: it has nuclear weapons capable of striking the U.S. mainland." Kim Jong-un attended the opening ceremony accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Ju-ae. Professor Yang said Ju-ae's presence could be part of her preparation as a potential successors, adding that it could also be to send a message that North Korea's nuclear capabilities are intended to protect future generations. I see. Finally, how likely is a summit between North Korea and the U.S.? Well, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again left the door open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump suggested that a meeting could take place during his upcoming trip to Asia. "I may, I may, yeah. That would be an exciting one, but I get along with him." But experts say the ball is now in Kim Jong-un's court. "I don't think Kim Jong-un has made a decision yet. Time is on Kim's side. Washington has been floating the possibility of a meeting in November, but whether Kim agrees will depend on the conditions offered." Professor Yang also believes there is a possibility of dialogue, saying Trump has repeatedly expressed his willingness to meet Kim, while Pyongyang has not completely ruled out talks. But the topic of denuclearization remains an obstacle. North Korea wants to be recognized as a nuclear-armed state and shift the focus of any negotiations toward nuclear arms reduction. "A summit could take place around the APEC meeting in November or before the end of the year. What's more important right now is managing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and that requires dialogue. If denuclearization prevents talks from happening, how can we manage those tensions?" Professor Yang says that rather than raising denuclearization as a condition for starting talks, the U.S. and North Korea should engage in dialogue first, then discuss inter-Korean topics. He added that once South Korea, North Korea, and the U.S. have built a certain level of mutual trust, that's when the issue of denuclearization can be addressed. But for now, whether Trump and Kim will actually meet remains uncertain. Alright, Kun-woo, thanks for the rundown. My pleasure. #SouthKorea #NorthKorea #Missile #Military #Provocation #대한민국 #북한 #탄도미사일 #도발 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook :   / arirangtvnews   📣 Youtube :    / Канал   📣 Homepage : https://v2.arirang.com/ 2026-10-14, 20:00 (KST)