North Korea's sub-launched missile exploded midair, Seoul says

Pyongyang is exaggerating capabilities, according to South Korean military intelligence.
North Korea has frequently touted the power Of its submarine-launched ballistic missiles,
but the South's military says the most recent device detonated mid-air before it reached
20 miles.


SEOUL, May 2 (UPI) — A submarine-launched ballistic missile North Korea said fired
"successfully" in April probably exploded mid-air, South Korea military said Sunday.
The SLBM launch was followed days later by a failed launch Of a midrange ballistic
missile, the Musudan.

But the launch was reported as a "great success" in North Korea state media, South
Korean television network KBS reported Sunday.

Pyongyang had stated there was a verifiable "stage separation" and that a -nuclear
detonation device" was working.

"All technical indicators satisfied the requirements for an underwater offensive compliant
with state self-reliance," North Korea's KCTV stated on April 24.

But Seoul's military concluded the projectile exploded midair after traveling less than 20
miles. South Korea press also reported it's likely Pyongyang's military officials lied to Kim
Jong Un131 about the results of the test.

The missile was launched from a submerged vessel located more than 120 miles from the
coast, according to Seoul.

Moon Sung-mook, a senior researcher for the Korea Research Institute for National
Strategy, said the launch was probably executed in a show of loyalty to Kim Jong Un, and
that the military pushed ahead with the test despite a lack Of preparedness.
North Korea, however, has not stopped publicizing the power Of its weapons.
State propaganda outlet DPRK Today stated Monday Pyongyang's SLBMs could not be
blocked by the U.S. anti missile defense system THAAD.

"Nuclear weapons are our symbol and dignity, self-reliance and livelihood," North Korea
had said in a statement issued April 20, according to South Korean news service Newsis.
"As long as U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises continue, we will go on to strengthen
our nuclear offensive capabilities,' North Korea stated.

Response:

This article is explaining the complicated issue of nuclear missiles from North Korea. The article looks at both sides, but takes supporting evidence from Seoul, therefore they have bias towards South Korea. The writer points out that South Korea could not protect itself even with the US anti-missile defense system THAAD. North Korea takes a lot of pride in its Nuclear Missiles, so obviously in any interview that they agree to will be about their support of these missiles. It is hard to find a good light for North Korea, but I do believe it is important to try to see and understand each side of the issue.

Shim, Elizabeth. "North Korea's Sub-launched Missile Exploded Midair, Seoul Says." 

UPI. UPI, 2 May 2016. Web. 2 May 2016. <http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2016/05/02/North-Koreas-sub-launched-missile-exploded-midair-Seoul-says/9281462200889/>.