Failed North Korea satellite launch engine points to Russian role, say South Korean lawmakers

NEW DELHI: North Korea's failed attempt to launch a reconnaissance satellite in May may have received assistance from Russia, according to South Korean lawmakers citing information from Seoul's National Intelligence Service (NIS). The satellite, fitted with a new "liquid oxygen and petroleum engine," exploded minutes after liftoff, raising suspicions about the origin of the technology.
The NIS informed lawmakers that there were no signs North Korea had developed the liquid oxygen and kerosene engine. Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, stated, "Given that liquid oxygen and kerosene were used in the engine for the first time, they had likely received Russian support."
The NIS disclosed that Russia had also assisted North Korea in its successful launch of a reconnaissance satellite in November, which occurred two months after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia. During this visit, President Vladimir Putin had promised to help North Korea build satellites.
Putin reciprocated with a visit to Pyongyang in June, during which both nations signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" pact. While both Russia and North Korea have denied engaging in arms transactions, they have vowed to enhance military cooperation.
Additionally, Lee mentioned that Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, is being groomed to become the next leader of North Korea, based on information provided by the NIS. Although North Korea's state media has reported on her public activities, there have been no official statements about her political future.
Another parliamentary intelligence committee member, Park Sun-won, noted that the NIS stated the recent indictment of Sue Mi Terry in the United States had no impact on intelligence cooperation between Washington and Seoul. Terry, a foreign policy expert previously with the CIA and the White House National Security Council, was indicted earlier this month on charges of acting as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government in exchange for luxury goods and other gifts.
Park said, "The NIS said they're working hard to learn a lesson from this. But there are no major problems with intelligence cooperation between the two countries, and it is actually expanding."
The indictment came at a surprising time, as Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol have been strengthening security partnerships. Despite this event, the collaboration between the U.S. and South Korea continues to grow, as affirmed by the NIS.