Seoul approves new Pyongyang sanctions for failed satellite launch

Seoul, Sep 1 (EFE).- South Korea imposed new unilateral sanctions Friday against North Korea following its failed attempt to put a satellite into orbit, the country’s foreign ministry reported.

These new sanctions affect the China-based Ryukyong Program Development Entity and its top manager Ryu Kyong-chol, as well as four other people linked to the company.

Seoul said it believes all are involved in the illegal financing and development of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs.

On Aug. 24, Pyongyang tried unsuccessfully – for the second time this year – to put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit using a space rocket.

Seoul views this move as a covert test of long-range ballistic missiles, something the regime is prohibited by under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

It is the first time that a country has sanctioned Ryukyong or people related to the company.

This is the 11th package of unilateral sanctions activated by Seoul since the conservative Yoon Suk-yeol came to power in 2022 and with what was approved Friday, there are already 54 people and 51 organizations linked to North Korea punished by the current government. EFE

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