South Korea's defense chief has stressed the need to advance security cooperation with Japan and the United States amid the possibility of another North Korean satellite launch as early as late March.

Speaking to reporters in Seoul on Monday, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik referred to a satellite that the North launched last year.

Pyongyang says that it put its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit last November. Leader Kim Jong Un has revealed a plan to launch three more spy satellites in 2024.

Shin claimed that the one the North launched last year is not working as a spy satellite.
He reiterated that Pyongyang may try to launch another reconnaissance satellite as early as late March, without giving any specific grounds for his claim.

Shin stressed that South Korea's security cooperation with Japan and the US should further advance in the face of increased nuclear and missile threats from the North.