MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL

UNCLAS SEOUL 000232 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/PD FOR SWALKER, EAP/P, EAP/K STATE PASS USDA ELECTRONICALLY FOR FAX/ITP SCHEIKH STATE PASS USTR FOR RCASSIDY USDOC FOR 4430/IEP/OPB/EAP/JDONIUS TREASURY FOR OASIA/MGREWE CINCPAC FOR J-74 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR ECON KS US KPAO KMDR SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL Subject: Media Reaction; Seoul East Asia and Pacific: North Korea "National Security Worries" Right-of-center JoongAng Ilb editorialized (02/13): "Amidst a series of signs that North Korea may soon test a long-range missile, North Korea's propaganda newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, has abruptly asserted North Korea's right to use and develop space technology. Furthermore, the fact that Chinese vessels have stopped fishing in the West Sea is definitely an unusual move. Nevertheless, Seoul is exceptionally quiet, marking a stark contrast to Washington, where warnings about North Korea's provocations come out every day. Some even predict that the North will probably seek to launch an attack calibrated to be too small for Washington to intervene but strong enough to cause psychological shock for the ROK. With the economy in such bad shape, we can't afford concerns over national security. The ROKG must show confidence and resolution on the matter." "North Korea Should Not Miscalculate Things with a Missile Launch" Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (02/13): "Despite Washington's warnings and concerns, North Korea appears to be pushing for the launch of a ballistic missile. It is also unusual that Pyongyang replaced the Minister of People's Armed Forces and the Chief of the General Staff at the same time. We do not know what judgment the North made about the situation before making this move and how the internal circumstances in the North affected the move. Some observers speculate that it is designed to grab Washington's attention, but the North's saber-rattling against the Obama Administration, which is willing to have direct talks with it, will not benefit U.S.-North Korea relations. It will only give ammunition to hawks." Stephens