North Korea, emboldened by the completion of its nuclear weapons program, has accelerated efforts to modernize its conventional military capabilities, which had previously been a lower policy priority. In particular, the modernization of naval forces has drawn attention due to the strategic versatility and multidimensional utility of maritime platforms. The simultaneous construction of the first and second units of the new Choi Hyun-class destroyers is indicative of a significant deviation from the previous policy focus, demonstrating North Korea’s dramatic shift toward the modernization of conventional forces. This transformation should not be dismissed as a simple upgrade in hardware. Instead, emphasis must be placed on the strategic flexibility that naval platforms inherently possess, and the potential for their strategic employment should be closely examined. North Korea is therefore likely to explore multiple strategic trajectories, including: 1) operationalization of joint exercises into strategic assets; 2) escalation and sophistication of limited provocations; 3) the force structuring for a full scale war; 4) advancement of nuclear coercion strategy; and 5) operationalization of overseas military missions. To achieve strategic counterbalance, South Korea must adopt an offset strategy by simultaneously operationalizing the three pillars of autonomous defense, military coordination, and diplomatic engagement.

1. Introduction

2. Strategic Overview: The Current Status and Significance of North Korea’s Naval Modernization

3. Background behind North Korea’s Military Force Posture Shift

4. Operationalizing Naval Modernization: Scenarios for North Korea’s Modernized Naval Forces

5. Policy Recommendations for Korea