North Korea delivered a stern warning, asserting that any United States interference or attack on its “space assets” would be considered a direct “declaration of war,” as reported by KCNA, the state media outlet. The defense ministry of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conveyed that the perceived hostility from the US Space Force toward its reconnaissance satellite is not only a challenge to its sovereignty but also a clear declaration of war.
In less than two weeks since announcing the launch of its first spy satellite, “Malligyong-1,” North Korea vehemently opposes any potential threats to its space capabilities. The warning stemmed from an alleged comment by an unnamed US Space Command official, suggesting a military attack on the DPRK’s reconnaissance satellite. This official purportedly hinted at employing diverse methods to decrease the enemy country’s outer space operation capabilities.
Pyongyang insists that its satellite, designed for reconnaissance, adheres to international law and is not classified as a space weapon due to lacking specific features. However, analysts speculate that the satellite serves spying purposes, enhancing North Korea’s military capabilities.
In response to the November 21 satellite launch, the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight foreign-based DPRK agents for facilitating sanctions evasion and supporting weapons of mass destruction programs. Additionally, a cyber espionage group named Kimsuky faced sanctions for gathering intelligence to further DPRK’s strategic objectives.
While Japan and South Korea condemned the launch as a violation of a UN Security Council resolution, North Korea warned that if its reconnaissance satellite is perceived as a military threat, then the US should destroy its spy satellites monitoring the Korean peninsula. Pyongyang labeled the US as the “chief culprit of evils” for turning space into a theater of war.
The South Korean government, in response to North Korea’s actions, partially suspended an agreement limiting reconnaissance activities along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and vowed to deploy new military hardware along the military demarcation line._