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The map behind Kim Jong-un shows the four distinct areas of the South Joseon (Korea) Operating Zone

North Korea appears to have divided South Korea into four missile strike zones based on its missiles’ effective firing range.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper, Korean Central Television, and other North Korean media relayed images on Aug. 15 showing leader Kim Jong-un receiving a report at the Army Strategic Force command post from commander Kim Rak-gyom. Three maps were seen hanging on the wall behind Kim, who appeared to be receiving a report on the plan for an “enveloping strike” around Guam.

The maps clearly showed text reading “South Choson [Korea] operational zone,” “Japan operational zone,” and “Pacific region US empire invading forces deployed.” The “South Choson operational zone” section in particular showed lines dividing South Korea into four sections, with text at the end that appeared to refer to missile models. The lines were drawn at roughly the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) axis, the Uljin County area, the Pohang area, and the waters off Busan. The four lines are believed to indicate missile strike zones.

The map marked “Japan operational zone” included lines extending to the waters in the Pacific Ocean south of Japan, along with a satellite image of what appeared to be Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. A map in front of Kim Jong-un marked “Strategic Force strike plan” indicated a long missile path extending from North Korea to Guam.

The pictures appear to have been released by North Korea in an effort to play up its threat to strike near Guam.

By Park Byong-su, senior staff writer

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