North Korea’s carrier rocket, intended for the launch of a military spy satellite, crashed into the western waters last Wednesday (5/31/23). Japan, South Korea, and the United States sternly criticized the incident. North Korea’s government news source, the Korean Central News Agency, accepted accountability for the occurrence of the mishap during their military reconnaissance satellite launch. According to their statement, the carrier rocket, named ‘Chollima-1,’ suffered a loss of thrust, leading to its descent into the West Sea of Korea. The malfunction occurred due to an abnormal starting of the second-stage engine following the separation of the first stage during the normal flight.

North Korea’s state media attributes the failed launch to the “low reliability and stability of the new-type engine system” used in the carrier rocket, compounded by the “unstable nature of the fuel.”

South Korean officials have taken immediate action to recover any potential wreckage from the “space launch vehicle” launched by North Korea. Responding to this failure, the international community has strongly denounced the action citing it as a breach of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The United States National Security Council emphasized the paramountcy of diplomacy, stating, “While diplomacy remains open, Pyongyang must promptly halt its provocative actions and choose engagement.” The statement reiterates the United States’ commitment to safeguarding the American homeland and defending its allies in Korea and Japan.

As tensions escalate in the region, the international community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue and urging North Korea to adhere to international norms.