Seoul Warns North Korea: No Spy Satellite Launch or Risk Peace Deal Suspension

South Korea has warned North Korea against launching a spy satellite, stating that it could suspend the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement and resume front-line aerial surveillance in response. North Korea has previously failed in its attempts to launch a military spy satellite but is expected to make another attempt soon. The UN Security Council prohibits such launches as it views them as disguised missile tests. South Korea believes that North Korea is receiving Russian technology assistance for the launch, which could also enhance its long-range missile program. If North Korea proceeds with the launch, South Korea may take retaliatory steps, including resuming aerial surveillance activities and live-fire drills at border areas, in violation of the 2018 agreement.