Background of North Korea's missile test and prospects for the situation on the Korean Peninsula

Cheong Seong-Chang

(softpower@sejong.org)

Director of the Center for North Korean Studies,

the Sejong Institute

English Abstract

North Korea test-fired missiles for six times from January 5 to 27. North Korea is believed to have conducted continuous missile tests to show its citizens its tangible results before the 80th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's birth on February 16 and the 110th anniversary of Kim Il-sung's birth on April 15. At least in the first half of this year, U.S.-North Korea relations will deteriorate further and raise military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Given this situation, it will be difficult for the U.S. to take the initiative to improve U.S.-North Korea relations. U.S.-North Korea relations is expected to be greatly affected by the South Korean government's policy toward North Korea.​

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