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North Korea has announced its plan to launch another satellite, just three months after its first attempt failed. The launch is scheduled to take place between August 24 and 31. This news has prompted condemnation from Tokyo and Seoul, who are demanding that North Korea call it off.

Both Tokyo and Seoul claim that this satellite launch would be an illegal act since it violates UN sanctions that prohibit North Korea from conducting tests using ballistic technology. The launch is seen as a violation of these sanctions as ballistic technology is used for both space launches and missile operations.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry has called the launch “an illegal act” and has expressed its intent to respond sternly in cooperation with the US and Japan. The United States has also urged North Korea to refrain from further unlawful activity and engage in diplomatic negotiations.

This announcement comes shortly after leaders from the US, South Korea, and Japan met at Camp David to discuss the increasing nuclear threats posed by North Korea. The failed attempt in May to launch a military reconnaissance satellite named “Chollima-1” has only further heightened concerns over North Korea’s capabilities and intentions.

The launch plan also coincides with the joint military drills between South Korea and the US, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield. These exercises, which aim to counter increasing threats from North Korea, will continue until August 31. North Korea views these drills as rehearsals for an invasion and has previously threatened “overwhelming” action in response.

There have been suspicions that North Korean hackers have targeted these exercises, with email attacks on South Korean contractors. North Korea’s state news agency has condemned the aggressive nature of these drills and has warned of the possibility of a thermonuclear war on the Korean peninsula if they involve any nuclear provocation.

Analysts believe that North Korea has been improving and supplementing the technical aspects of their satellite launch over the past three months. They see this timing as an attempt to coincide with the ongoing military drills and showcase their military capabilities.

It is worth noting that the crash of North Korea’s satellite in May was determined to have no military utility after a South Korean salvage operation. However, North Korea remains committed to the development of military spy satellites as a top priority.

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