The Malligyong-1. That is the name of the satellite the North Korean government has revealed through state media channels is in fact a surveillance apparatus. This successful launch comes after two failed attempts earlier in the year. The installation of such a device would allow North Korea to monitor attacks and better implement countermeasures. 


The news has drawn harsh condemnation from neighbors such as Japan, who witnessed the satellite’s launch fly over Okinawa prefecture. Along with the South and the US, countries had been strongly urging Kim Jong-Un’s regime not to commence with launching spy satellites. This move preempts South Korea’s own plans to launch spy satellites. They have yet to launch their own (hoping to have five deployed, starting from 2025). 


Instead, South Korea has announced plans to rollback their joint 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement with North Korea in response which would entail higher land and sea surveillance and military practices. Either way, there is likely to be heightened skirmishes between the two Koreas in the coming months.