▶ N. KOREA CONFIRMS IT TESTED NEW SLBM
North Korean state media says the country has successfully tested a new submarine-launched ballistic missile.
It was launched yesterday and landed in the East Sea.
The BBC's Barbara Plett User reports from Washington.
[Reporter]
Well, if it was launched from a submarine like Pyongyang says, then that suggests a capability that could be quite threatening potentially.
Although the U.S. assessment is that it's not an immediate threat.
But, the U.S. as well as Japan and South Korea are watching it very closely.
The U.S. has condemned the launch and has said that North Korea should stop these provocations because that is how they all really see this, as a provocation, and only the latest of several.
▶ WASHINGTON READY TO ENGAGE WITH PYONGYANG
The U.S. also reiterated that it's ready to engage with North Korea anytime and anywhere, without preconditions.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the latest test underscored the urgent need to engage with the regime.
The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency closed-door meeting on the North on Wednesday.
▶ MOON: S. KOREA SEEKS STRONG DEFENSE FOR PEACE
President Moon Jae-in says ensuring peace is the reason why South Korea is establishing strong defense capabilities.
He made the remark at the opening ceremony of a biennial defense exhibition at the Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just hours after North Korea announced that it tested a new type of SLBM.
The president did not, however, directly mention the North in his speech.
Moon said South Korea "seeks to build a smart and strong armed forces based on state-of-the-art technology."
The president also said investments will be expanded for space technology.
The comments come as the government is set to launch its homegrown space rocket on Thursday.
▶ NEW COVID-19 CASES TOP 1,500
The number of new coronavirus infections reported in the country has reached 1,571, up nearly 500 from the previous day.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said 1,556 additional cases of local transmission and 15 imported infections confirmed in the last 24 hours.
There were also nine additional virus-related fatalities.
Health authorities attributed the latest spike in cases to a rebound in testing, which usually falls over the weekend.
With social distancing rules still in effect and vaccination rates rising, officials believe the spread of the virus will get under control.
▶ S. KOREA TO HIT 70% FULLY VACCINATED TARGET
The head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said that 70 percent of the population here in South Korea will be fully vaccinated by either this weekend or next Monday.
She told a parliamentary audit of her agency that the milestone will be achieved between October 23-25.
▶ UMBRELLA LABOR UNION PUSHES AHEAD WITH MASS RALLY
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions massive rallies will be held nationwide today despite the government's pleas to cancel amid coronavirus concerns.
Organizers said street protests will be held at 14 locations, including Seoul.
Labor groups are demanding better working conditions as well as welfare benefits.
The KCTU said around 500,000 people will take part in the one-day general strike.
Police have vowed to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to prevent groups from coming together.
Here in the capital, the rallies could cause major traffic delays around City Hall and Gwanghwamun Square due to the crowds and police buses lining the roads.
