South Korea has announced a partial suspension of the inter-Korean agreement to resume frontline aerial surveillance of North Korea. This decision follows North Korea's claim of launching a military spy satellite, a move criticized by the U.S. and its allies.

The success of the satellite launch is yet to be independently verified, with the Pentagon and Japan awaiting confirmation. South Korea's Deputy Minister of National Defense Policy, Heo Tae-keun, called it a clear violation of U.N. resolutions and a threat to national security, leading to the decision to partially suspend the 2018 tension-reduction agreement.

The agreement, established during a brief period of reconciliation, imposed buffer zones and no-fly areas along the heavily fortified border. Critics in South Korea argue that the deal limited the country's superior aerial surveillance assets while leaving North Korea's nuclear arsenal intact.

The brief rapprochement period ended with the collapse of nuclear diplomacy in 2019, and North Korea has since increased missile tests. North Korea claims the satellite, named "Malligyong-1," will enhance its war readiness, with plans to launch more spy satellites.

While South Korea suggests Russian technological support for North Korea's program, both countries deny this, amid accusations of North Korea supplying arms to support Russia's actions in Ukraine. The Malligyong-1 satellite is believed to detect large targets, contributing to North Korea's goal of expanding its arsenal for future diplomatic leverage.