(Unofficial Translation)

1. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched a ballistic missile from Sunan area, Pyeongyang, on September 15. Following the DPRK’s recent launch of ICBM-class ballistic missiles and its sixth nuclear test, the launch of yet another ballistic missile is not only a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, but also a truly serious and grave challenge to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. As such, the ROK Government strongly condemns this provocation by the DPRK.

2. The DPRK must clearly realize that abandoning its nuclear and missile programs is the true path to ensuring its security and economic development, immediately halt its reckless provocations and promptly come out to the path of dialogue for denuclearization.

3. Based on concerted cooperation with the international community and the stalwart ROK-US alliance, the ROK Government will strongly respond to any nuclear or missile provocations by the DPRK. The ROK Government maintains a robust readiness posture capable of thwarting any threat posed by the DPRK, and will work to advance its response capabilities even further. Furthermore, the ROK Government will remain steadfast in safeguarding the lives of its people and the security of the nation. /End/