UN experts are currently investigating 58 suspected cyberattacks believed to be carried out by North Korea between the years 2017 and 2023. These cyberattacks, estimated to be worth approximately $3 billion, are believed to have been carried out to fund North Korea’s development of weapons of mass destruction. The cyberattacks were reportedly orchestrated by North Korean hacking groups affiliated with the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the country’s primary foreign intelligence organization.
The panel of experts, in their report to the UN Security Council, highlighted that the frequency of cyberattacks by North Korean groups remains high. The report, which covers the period from July 2023 to January 2024, also revealed that North Korea continued to defy UN sanctions, advance its nuclear weapons program, and produce nuclear fissile materials.
The panel of experts expressed concern over the operational status of a light-water reactor at North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear complex. South Korea’s Defense Minister suggested that the reactor is likely to become formally operational in the coming months, adding to the nation’s capacity to produce bomb fuels such as weapons-grade plutonium. North Korea also possesses a uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon.
The report further highlighted ongoing activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, indicating that North Korea may be preparing for its seventh nuclear test. Estimates on the size of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal vary, but experts believe the country can add up to 18 bombs per year. Since the breakdown of diplomacy with the United States in 2019, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly emphasized his intent to expand the country’s nuclear weapons program.
In addition to the cyberattacks and nuclear developments, the panel of experts revealed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched at least seven ballistic missiles during the assessed period. This includes one three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, one possibly intermediate-range missile, and five short-range ballistic missiles. The DPRK also successfully placed a military observation satellite in orbit after two failed attempts. Furthermore, a diesel submarine was retrofitted as a tactical nuclear attack submarine and added to North Korea’s military capabilities.
The report raises concerns about the DPRK’s evasion of maritime sanctions through the use of combinations of obfuscation methods to import refined petroleum products in violation of the resolutions. The recorded trade volume for North Korea in 2023 surpassed that of the previous year, with a significant influx of consumer goods, including items that are considered luxury goods and prohibited under UN sanctions.
The panel of experts is also investigating reports of the DPRK’s illicit arms and ammunition trade, with allegations of North Korea supplying weapons in violation of UN sanctions. Last month, the United States, Ukraine, and six allies accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles and launchers in aerial attacks against Ukraine, further violating UN sanctions.
The panel’s investigation also delved into the employment of numerous DPRK nationals overseas, particularly in sectors such as information technology, restaurants, and construction. The earnings generated by these individuals violate UN sanctions. Additionally, the DPRK continues to access the international financial system and engage in illicit financial operations, which are further breaches of UN sanctions.
While UN sanctions are not intended to harm ordinary North Koreans, the panel acknowledged that there may be unintentional impacts on the humanitarian situation and some aspects of aid operations. However, determining the relative influence of sanctions amidst other factors remains a complex task.
Amidst rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatening South Korea and escalating weapons demonstrations, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have increased their joint military exercises.
The investigation by UN experts sheds light on North Korea’s continued defiance of sanctions, cyberattacks, nuclear advancements, and illicit activities. As diplomatic efforts remain stalled, the international community faces mounting challenges in curtailing North Korea’s pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and maintaining regional stability.
