JAGISTS

In reaction to Pyongyang’s recent barrage of missile launches, the United States, Japan, and South Korea have slapped new sanctions on persons and businesses in North Korea.

With its announcement on Thursday, Washington took the symbolic step of freezing the assets of three North Korean officials in the country. This isolated nation has resisted international pressure over its nuclear and missile programs.

Additionally, the US Treasury Department warned sanctions against anyone doing business with Jon Il Ho, Yu Jin, or Kim Su Gil, who were recognized as having a direct hand in the manufacture of weapons.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a statement that the latest missile launches by North Korea, including the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile with the ability to strike the US mainland, “pose severe security dangers to the region and whole globe.”

In response to Pyongyang’s pace, breadth, and scope of ballistic missile tests, the measures “underscore our continuing resolve to promote accountability.”

Blinken went on to say that the decision was made in consultation with US allies South Korea and Japan and mentioned that the European Union had previously designated the three in a similar manner back in April.

New sanctions were also declared on Friday by Seoul and Tokyo.

South Korea declared it will target eight people, including two Singaporeans and one from Taiwan.

The South Korean foreign ministry stated in a statement that they had “contributed to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and evasion of (pre-existing) restrictions.”

The new South Korean prohibitions are anticipated to “inform the local and international society of the hazards of transactions with these firms,” the ministry continued, adding that all are already subject to US sanctions.

Japan also said that it was freezing the assets of three North Korean organizations — Korea Haegumgang Trading Corp, Korea Namgang Trading Corp, and Lazarus Group — as well as one individual, Kim Su Il, in reaction to Pyongyang’s “provocative activities.”

The closest allies of North Korea, China and Russia, have obstructed attempts at stronger sanctions at the UN Security Council, which has angered the United States.