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North Korea Launches Missiles Ahead of S. Korea Election

William Gallo

   SEOUL - North Korea test-fired multiple short-range missiles Tuesday,
   its latest military provocation that comes just a day before an
   important national election in neighboring South Korea.

   Some of the projectiles appeared to be short-range cruise missiles
   fired from North Korea's east coast, while others may have been
   air-to-ground missiles fired from a fighter jet, according to South
   Korean military officials.

   In a text message, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it
   continues to assess the launches.
   North Korea, which has tested five rounds of short-range missiles this
   year, often conducts military provocations ahead of South Korean
   elections--ostensibly in order to influence the vote or pressure the
   government in Seoul.

   South Koreans on Wednesday will choose 300 members of the country's
   National Assembly. The outcome will help determine the direction of the
   second half of President Moon Jae-in's five-year term in office.

   Will South Koreans care?

   Moon, a progressive who has prioritized engagement with the North, has
   seen surging approval ratings as he oversees one of the world's most
   effective coronavirus responses. North Korea is seen as a minor issue
   in the election.

   "The North Koreans have a tendency of trying to interfere in South
   Korea's elections," says Leif-Eric Easley, a professor atEwhaUniversity
   in Seoul. "This cycle, there has been less debate in Seoul about
   relations with Pyongyang because COVID-19 has taken up so much
   political bandwidth."

   "The Kim regime, however, will not be ignored and may even be a bit
   annoyed about South Koreans practicing their democracy on [North Korean
   founder] Kim Il-Sung'sbirthday," which is April 15, added Easley.

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