South Korea call on North Korea to stop their attempted rocket launch

South Korean army soldiers patrol along the barbed-wire fence in Paju, near the border with North Korea, South Korea. North Korea has declared plans to launch an earth observation satellite later this month, an official with the London-based agency International Maritime Organization, said late Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. This satellite launch would cause international outrage because it is seen by the United Nations as a possible cover for a test of banned long-range missiles meant to further the North’s nuclear bomb and missile programs.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

As North Korea revealed its plans for what it called a satellite launch, the South Korean government has warned that it would have to pay a severe price if it proceeds with the move.

After a National Security Council(NSC) meeting Wednesday morning, First Deputy Director of the top office’s National Security Office Cho Tae-yong issued the warning.

Cho urged the North to revoke its planned liftoff, calling it a long-range missile test.

He said that the North’s planned missile launch is a “direct challenge” to the international community, noting the North’s announcement came as the UN Security Council is mulling new sanctions over its recent nuclear test.

The deputy chief also vowed that the South would maintain readiness against any threat to the lives of citizens and the security of South Korea.

This article was originally published in KBS World Radio News