South Korean president observes test-firing of 800km range home-grown missile

Updated: 2017-06-24 09:11:17 KST

It was the South Korean president's idea to make this rather unconventional trip.

"President Moon Jae-in visited the test site of the Agency for Defense Development today to oversee the test-firing of a ballistic missile. The purpose of his visit was to send a clear warning to North Korea for its latest series of provocations."

This is the new Hyunmoo-2 missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers - that's enough to hit any part of North Korea even from the southernmost part of the peninsula - developed solely with South Korea's indigenous technology.

The presidential office noted that the missile is a key component of the nation's 'Kill Chain' preemptive strike system designed to incapacitate possible missile attacks from North Korea.

Seoul's top office explained that Friday's launch accurately hit its target marking the fourth successful test out of the six required for the military to field the new ballistic missile.

"The president said 'I'm all for dialogue but dialogue is only possible when supported by strong defense capabilities and engagement policy vis-a-vis North Korea is also only possible when we maintain security capabilities strong enough to dominate the North.'"

In that sense, the South Korean commander-in-chief believes the weapons systems developed by the state-run agency under the wing of the defense ministry are means for dialogue and peace and not destruction and decimation.

President Moon's remarks come just hours after foreign media carried reports citing unnamed U.S. officials that North Korea has conducted another test of rocket engine that they believe could be for an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The reports have not been confirmed by authorities.

In the last six-and-a-half weeks that the South Korean leader has been in office, North Korea has test-fired five ballistic missiles and Mr. Moon has emphasized on multiple occasions that the rogue state should expect additional, stronger sanctions should it go ahead with another ICBM test or a sixth nuclear test.

From the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, Moon Connyoung, Arirang News.

Reporter : jenmoon@arirang.co.kr