SEOUL: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed concerns on Wednesday that North Korea’s “irrational” regime might engage in various provocations, such as cyberattacks and drone intrusions, leading up to South Korea’s crucial April election.
In recent weeks, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un escalated tensions by designating Seoul as his country’s “principal enemy,” dismantling agencies dedicated to reunification efforts, and issuing threats of war over minimal territorial infringements. Additionally, North Korea has intensified weapons testing, including the recent launch of multiple cruise missiles, prompting speculation about potential involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
As South Korea prepares for the April 10 election, President Yoon, known for adopting a robust stance toward Pyongyang, anticipates provocations from the North. During an annual defense council meeting, he highlighted the North’s history of engaging in disruptive activities ahead of South Korean elections.
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Yoon outlined the expected provocations, including border incidents, drone intrusions, dissemination of fake news, cyberattacks, and disturbances. He emphasized the significant impact of cyberattacks, stating that they could swiftly paralyze national functions and disrupt daily life, leading to societal chaos through false propaganda.
According to intelligence from Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington, North Korea has historically supported its banned weapons programs by engaging in “malicious cyber activities” to gather information.
President Yoon’s warning comes in the context of North Korea’s prior provocations ahead of South Korean elections, part of its broader strategy to create disruptions in the region. South Korea’s spy agency had previously predicted military and cyber provocations by North Korea in 2024, specifically targeting election campaigns in both the United States and South Korea.
Kim Jong Un’s directive to cause a “big stir in South Korea” early in the year further raises concerns about the potential for heightened provocations in the coming months.
