KOREA DIGEST
Korea Digest is a monthly publication of the Korea Centre, School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, that compiles major political, security, economic and diplomatic developments in the Korean Peninsula. Korea Digest aims to track, highlight and provide brief analysis of important developments in the Korean Peninsula.
Korea Digest No. 15, September 2024
Contents
1. South Korea Acquired Polish suicide drones
2. Korea and New Zealand agree on enhanced security cooperation at the bilateral summit held in Seoul
3. Heightened Security Tensions in the Korean Peninsula
4. South Korea-Japan Summit held in Seoul
5. Yoon proclaimed Korea’s global role at the cybersecurity summit held in Seoul
6. South Korea and UNC member states demanded an end to North Korea-Russia military cooperation
7. North Korea publicly disclosed uranium enrichment facility for the first time
8. President Yoon Suk-Yeol visited the Czech Republic to cement the nuclear power plant project and boost economic cooperation.
9. Quad denounced North Korea’s nuclear pursuit in the Wilmington Declaration
10. Korea called on UNESCO to monitor Japan’s compliance with Sado mines
11. Korea develops first domestic engine for K-9 self-propelled howitzer
Prepared by
Mohammed Unais AV, Project Fellow, Korea Centre
1. South Korea Acquired Polish suicide drones
South Korea has initiated the acquisition of several Polish-made self-destructing unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as suicide drones, in response to North Korea’s recent announcement of mass-producing similar drones aimed at South Korea. According to national media reports, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) received a procurement request for the drones late last month, with plans for delivery by the end of the year. While the exact Polish model has not been disclosed, South Korean military sources indicate that around 15 billion won ($11.2 million) is being allocated for the purchase of nearly 200 units. However, final costs and quantities may vary depending on contract terms.
This rapid procurement is seen as a direct response to North Korea’s growing drone threat. On August 24, North Korean state media Rodong Sinmun showcased drone tests at the Kim Jong un Academy of National Defense Science Institute, unveiling their suicide drone capabilities. Seoul views these drones as a conventional military threat, akin to artillery and missiles, prompting an urgent need for a symmetrical defense strategy. South Korea has been in discussions with Poland regarding suicide drones since June, during a meeting between former Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kozyniak-Kamis. In July, a South Korean delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Defence, DAPA, and the Drone Operations Command, visited Poland to evaluate the performance of the “Warmate” drones, which are believed to be the model under consideration for the Korean military.
2. Korea and New Zealand agree on enhanced security cooperation at the bilateral summit held in Seoul
On September 4, the leaders of South Korea and New Zealand held a summit in Seoul, agreeing to accelerate discussions on enhancing security cooperation. During the meeting, President Yoon Suk-yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lacson explored ways to elevate their bilateral relationship from the “21st Century Partnership,” established in 2006, to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” by 2025, according to the South Korean presidential office. The talks also celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations and focused on strengthening collaboration in areas like trade, science, education, defense, people to people exchange, and regional and international issues. President Yoon underscored the importance of solidarity among like-minded nations amid global challenges such as the Russia-North Korea military cooperation and the war in Ukraine, highlighting New Zealand’s key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Lacson praised South Korea’s economic innovation and noted that since the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nine years ago, New Zealand has become South Korea’s sixth-largest trading partner. He also pointed to the countries’ cultural ties, mentioning the global influence of K-pop and Korean dramas, as well as the success of Korean New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko. Both leaders condemned North Korea’s missile and nuclear activities and voiced concerns over its growing military ties with Russia. Lacson expressed support for South Korea’s “Audacious Initiative” denuclearization plan and Yoon’s “August 15 Unification Doctrine.” The summit marked Lacson’s first visit to South Korea since taking office in November 2023 and was the first bilateral summit between the nations since 2015.
3. Heightened Security Tensions in the Korean Peninsula
In September 2024, as in previ ous months, tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalated due to increased military provocations from North Korea. From September 4 to 8, 2024, North Korea repeatedly launched balloons filled with garbage into South Korea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul. The balloon launches, which resumed on September 4 after a previous incident on August 10, continued for several days, with North Korea sending additional balloons on September 5, 6, 7, and 8. The September 8 launch alone saw 120 balloons sent across the border. The JCS reported that this marked the 17th such incident this year. A significant escalation occurred on September 8 when a balloon carrying a detonator struck the roof of a warehouse in Paju, Gyeonggi, causing a fire that damaged 330 square meters (3,550 square feet) of the building. The fire led to approximately 100 million won ($74,700) in property damage, the costliest incident linked to North Korea’s balloon launches to date. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The JCS urged citizens to remain vigilant, report balloon sightings to authorities, and emphasise their commitment to prioritising public safety. Meanwhile, the Unification Ministry expressed deep regret over North Korea’s actions, especially as the country continues to recover from recent floods.
On September 9, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to significantly expand the country’s nuclear arsenal while bolstering its nuclear capabilities. The declaration was made during a speech commemorating the 76th anniversary of North Korea’s founding. In his address, titled “Let’s Strive More for the Prosperity of Our Great State,” Kim reviewed progress made since the Eighth Party Congress and set forth future policy directions, according to the state-run Korea Central News Agency (KCNA). He emphasized the regime’s commitment to enhancing its military strength, asserting that the primary goal of the revolution is to continuously fortify the nation’s defense capabilities.
On September 12, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea, marking the first such launch since July 1. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missiles were fired from an area near Pyongyang around 7:10 am, with three to four projectiles detected. The missiles travelled approximately 360 kilometers (223 miles) and landed in the East Sea, potentially impacting cities including Seoul, Daejeon, Gyeryong, Gunsan, and Cheongju, where key military facilities are located. The JCS confirmed that South Korean forces remain on high alert, coordinating closely with U.S. and Japanese authorities to monitor the situation. The launch, North Korea’s first in 73 days, occurred less than 24 hours after the second US presidential debate and is believed to be a response to joint military activities by South Korea and the US. The JCS suggested that the missiles may also be part of a test for systems intended for export to Russia.
On September 18, North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) toward the northeast, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The missiles were detected around 6:50 a.m. near Kaechon in South Pyongan Province, with the projectiles traveling approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles). The JCS reported that the South Korean military swiftly tracked and monitored the launches, sharing key information with U.S. and Japanese forces. Condemning the missile tests as a grave provocation, the JCS emphasized that these actions threaten the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. Japan’s defense ministry noted that the missiles landed outside its exclusive economic zone in the East Sea.
On September 19, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the successful testing of two missile types, one designed to carry a super-large conventional warhead and another capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Kim directed officials to bolster the country’s military strength in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. According to North Korea’s state media, KCNA, the test involved the launch of a newly developed Hwasongfo-11-Da-4.5 ballistic missile, equipped with a 4.5-ton conventional warhead. The missile was tested to hit a target at a range of 320 km (200 miles), suggesting it could be aimed at sites in South Korea. Additionally, Kim oversaw the test of an upgraded strategic cruise missile, underscoring the need to enhance North Korea’s nuclear and conventional military capabilities.
4. South Korea-Japan Summit held in Seoul
On September 6, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held their 12th summit at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul, reaffirming their commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation despite Japan’s upcoming leadership transition. President Yoon highlighted the significant progress made in Korea-Japan relations, attributing this to mutual trust and underscoring Prime Minister Kishida’s achievements since Yoon’s inauguration in May 2022. Both leaders emphasized the restoration of bilateral consultation bodies in sectors such as economy and security, along with enhanced communication between the two nations. As the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization approaches next year, Yoon and Kishida expressed optimism about advancing ties to new heights. The summit also stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in trilateral cooperation with the United States. Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening relations and expressed hopes for peace on the Korean Peninsula, referencing Yoon’s August 15 Unification Doctrine. Additionally, both nations signed an agreement to protect their citizens in third countries, formalizing collaboration on crisis management, information sharing, and joint training exercises.
However, Yoon’s approach toward Japan has attracted domestic criticism. Opposition parties and civic groups, including those advocating for victims of Japan’s colonial-era forced labor, expressed concerns that Yoon’s administration is making excessive concessions to Japan without addressing historical grievances adequately. Protests were held in Seoul, denouncing the summit as favoring Japan at the expense of Korean dignity. Despite this, the ruling People Power Party remains supportive, seeing the summit as a stepping stone for enhanced Korea-Japan ties, especially in the context of broader trilateral cooperation with the United States.
5. Yoon proclaimed Korea’s global role at the cybersecurity summit held in Seoul
On September 11, President Yoon Suk-Yeol highlighted South Korea’s role in global cybersecurity during the 2024 Cyber Summit Korea (CSK), which took place at COEX in southern Seoul from September 11 to 12. Co-hosted by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Security Research Institute, this year’s summit centered on the theme “A Step Forward in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Space Age and Global Cyber Security.” Yoon emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats, particularly those posed by hostile actors like North Korea. He stated, “We will work with the international community to uphold the values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in cyberspace, contributing to the security and prosperity of global citizens.” During his address, Yoon acknowledged that while advancements in technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and aerospace offer significant benefits, they also bring new challenges and threats. He underscored the necessity for a unified global response to combat transnational cyber threats. Yoon expressed hope that CSK would foster communication and collaboration among nations. Throughout the summit, he toured exhibitions featuring cutting-edge
technology and cybersecurity firms, observed NIS demonstrations on cyber-attack detection and response, and participated in briefings. The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 70 officials from 17 countries, including top diplomats, National Assembly Intelligence Committee Chairperson Shin Sung-bum, Science Minister Yoo Sang-im, Digital Platform Government Committee Chair Kim Chang-kyung, Special Adviser on Cyber Lim Jong-in, and Deputy National Security Adviser Wang Yun-jong.
6. South Korea and UNC member states demanded an end to North Korea-Russia military cooperation
On September 10, South Korea and the 17 member states of the UN Command (UNC) urged Russia and North Korea to halt military cooperation during their second defence ministerial meeting held in Seoul. Jointly hosted by the South Korean and Canadian defence ministries, the meeting concluded with a joint statement expressing deep concern over the military ties between Russia and North Korea. Attendees signed a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement’ and called for an immediate cessation of activities that could raise serious concerns, such as arms deals and technical collaboration. South Korea and the United States suspect that North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine in exchange for fuel and technical support for its missile and satellite programs, despite UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting such exports. Over the past year, Ukrainian officials have discovered fragments of missiles and artillery shells with Korean-language markings, indicating they were produced in North Korea. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun highlighted that North Korean arms exports to Russia have resulted in “brutal and deadly consequences in Ukraine,” urging a robust response from nations that uphold the values of freedom and democracy. Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair emphasised the unity among attendees against the escalating military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, warning that it poses a threat to stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the broader Indo-Pacific region.
7. North Korea publicly disclosed uranium enrichment facility for the first time
On September 13, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged the expansion of centrifuge numbers for uranium enrichment, aiming to bolster the country’s nuclear arsenal for self defense, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). During a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, where weapons-grade nuclear material is produced, Kim emphasized the importance of increasing nuclear forces in line with the party’s strategy for building a nuclear capable military. This visit marks the first public acknowledgement by North Korea of its uranium enrichment facility, which produces highly enriched uranium by spinning uranium in centrifuges at high speeds an essential component for nuclear warhead development. South Korean and US intelligence believe that North Korea operates uranium enrichment facilities at the Kangsan nuclear complex and the Yongbyon facility near Pyongyang. Observers suggest that the facility mentioned could be North Korea’s second enrichment plant in Kangsan, supported by recent UN nuclear watchdog assessments.
The unexpected disclosure of the uranium enrichment facility is viewed as an effort to showcase North Korea’s nuclear capabilities ahead of the upcoming US presidential election in November. Earlier this month, during a significant defense dialogue between South Korea and the US, the allies warned of potential provocations from North Korea, including a nuclear test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch, as the election approaches. In response, a senior official in South Korea’s presidential office confirmed that the government is closely monitoring North Korea’s recent actions and is evaluating the regime’s motives behind revealing the uranium enrichment facility. The official noted that the timing of a potential nuclear test could depend on various factors, including the internal and external security situation and the U.S. presidential election, suggesting that Pyongyang may be attempting to increase its leverage in future negotiations with Washington.
8. President Yoon Suk-Yeol visited the Czech Republic to cement the nuclear power plant deal and boost economic cooperation
President Yoon Suk-Yeol concluded a four-day official visit to the Czech Republic from September 19 to 22, aimed at increasing economic cooperation and advancing the important nuclear power plant project. During his trip, Yoon held a bilateral summit with Czech President Peter Pavel to explore opportunities for collaboration in nuclear energy, trade, investment, finance and technology. He also met with Czech Prime Minister Peter Fiala and participated in various business and economic events. The primary focus of the visit, however, was to strengthen the groundwork for a major project to build two nuclear reactors in Dukovany, led by a Korean consortium headed by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP). This consortium, which includes Doosan Energy and Daewoo Engineering & Construction, was selected by the Czech government in July for a project worth 24 trillion won ($17.3 billion). Despite legal challenges from U.S. company Westinghouse Electric and France’s EDF, both of which have filed appeals, Czech officials have expressed confidence that the deal will move forward, with the final agreement expected in March next year.
Yoon was accompanied by a delegation of around 50 business leaders, including executives from major companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, SK Group, and LG Group. During the visit, a total of 56 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and agreements were signed, cementing cooperation across various sectors, particularly the nuclear power industry. Yoon and the Czech leadership visited nuclear power parts manufacturers, including Doosan Škoda Power and Škoda JS, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. Yoon emphasized that the nuclear power project marks the formation of a “nuclear energy alliance,” with both countries committed to developing new technologies and training skilled personnel for the sector.
9. Quad denounced North Korea’s nuclear pursuit in the Wilmington Declaration
The leaders of the Quad nations US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned North Korea’s ongoing nuclear weapons development and recent ballistic missile launches. During a summit in Wilmington, Delaware, the four leaders issued the Wilmington Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The declaration criticised Pyongyang’s missile activities as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and urged North Korea to comply with its obligations, halt further provocations, and engage in constructive dialogue.
The Quad also expressed concern over increasing military cooperation with North Korea, particularly targeting Russia for its growing defense ties with Pyongyang, which undermine global nuclear control efforts. The declaration called on all UN member states to adhere to the UN Security Council’s sanctions, including the prohibition of weapons transfers to or from North Korea. Additionally, the Quad voiced “grave concern” over North Korea’s illicit financing networks, cyber activities, and the proliferation of its arms and missile technology.
10. Korea called on UNESCO to monitor Japan’s compliance with Sado mines
South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has urged UNESCO to monitor Japan’s adherence to recommendations regarding the Sado mine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tied to Korea’s wartime forced laborers. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement following Cho’s meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24. The Sado mine, a significant gold producer in the 17th century, was designated a World Heritage Site in July, with Japan committing to acknowledging the site’s full history, including the use of Korean forced labor during its colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. South Korea supported the listing on the condition that Japan implements recommendations from the International Council on Monuments and Sites, which include a comprehensive interpretation and memorial to honor the forced laborers. Azoulay also expressed appreciation for South Korea’s contributions to UNESCO projects in Africa, particularly in vocational training initiatives.
11. Korea develops first domestic engine for K-9 self-propelled howitzer
South Korea has successfully developed a homegrown engine for its K-9 self-propelled howitzer, the state-run Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on September 27. The engine is the outcome of a 32.16 billion won ($24.5 million) project that began in 2021, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign parts in the K-9 system. Jointly developed by STX Engine and Hanwha Aerospace, the new engine replaces the previously used German MTU engine, which was licensed and manufactured by STX. DAPA stated that the domestic engine will lower production costs and enhance performance compared to the German alternative. Additionally, the switch will eliminate the need for export approvals tied to foreign components. Introduced in 1999, the K-9 has become one of South Korea’s most successful defense exports, controlling roughly half of the global artillery market. A 2023 report from the The Korea Defense Industry Association noted that the K-9 leads the medium-caliber (152 to 155 mm) self-propelled howitzer segment, holding a 36 percent market share. Of the 1,401 global transactions involving 155 mm howitzers since 2010, 626, or 45 percent, were K-9s. Countries such as Australia, Egypt, India, Norway, and Poland have purchased the system. Experts attribute the K-9’s international success to its continuous technological upgrades and cost effectiveness, with its price point of over 4 billion won being nearly half that of competitors like Germany’s PzH-2000.
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