Why did Moon Jae-In support testing the Hyunmoo-2C ballistic missile?

Moon Jae-In supported the testing of the Hyunmoo-2C ballistic missile as an exercise in pragmatism to ensure a strong national defense. He maintained that while he was a believer in dialogue, such diplomacy is only possible when supported by a robust military capability.1

This action was taken in June 2017, shortly after his inauguration, in response to North Korea test-firing a ballistic missile in May. The Hyunmoo-2C was specifically capable of hitting targets anywhere within North Korean territory, serving as a clear demonstration of South Korea's precision strike capabilities amid rising regional tensions.1