The NIS knowledgeable lawmakers that there have been no indicators North Korea had developed the liquid oxygen and kerosene engine. Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, said, “Provided that liquid oxygen and kerosene had been used within the engine for the primary time, they’d doubtless acquired Russian help.”
The NIS disclosed that Russia had additionally assisted North Korea in its profitable launch of a reconnaissance satellite tv for pc in November, which occurred two months after North Korean chief Kim Jong Un visited Russia. Throughout this go to, President Vladimir Putin had promised to assist North Korea construct satellites.
Putin reciprocated with a go to to Pyongyang in June, throughout which each nations signed a “complete strategic partnership” pact. Whereas each Russia and North Korea have denied participating in arms transactions, they’ve vowed to reinforce navy cooperation.
Moreover, Lee talked about that Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, is being groomed to turn into the subsequent chief of North Korea, primarily based on info supplied by the NIS. Though North Korea’s state media has reported on her public actions, there have been no official statements about her political future.
One other parliamentary intelligence committee member, Park Solar-won, famous that the NIS said the current indictment of Sue Mi Terry in the USA had no affect on intelligence cooperation between Washington and Seoul. Terry, a international coverage skilled beforehand with the CIA and the White Home Nationwide Safety Council, was indicted earlier this month on expenses of performing as an unregistered agent for the South Korean authorities in trade for luxurious items and different presents.
Park stated, “The NIS stated they’re working arduous to be taught a lesson from this. However there aren’t any main issues with intelligence cooperation between the 2 international locations, and it’s truly increasing.”
The indictment got here at a shocking time, as Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol have been strengthening safety partnerships. Regardless of this occasion, the collaboration between the U.S. and South Korea continues to develop, as affirmed by the NIS.