Seoul Accuses N. Korea of Launching Ballistic Missiles

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Dec 23, 2022

Image copyright: Yonhap [via Associated Press]story last updated Dec 23, 2022

The Facts

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on Friday that North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles at around 4:30 pm local time, the latest in an unprecedented year of weapons testing.
South Korea claimed that the two missiles were fired from Sunan toward the East Sea, adding that one flew 250 km (155 mi) and the other 350 km, while Japanese media reported a single missile launch flying 300 km.

The Spin

Republican narrative

You can’t blame Kim Jong-un for flexing North Korea’s military muscle when Biden is recklessly saber-rattling with Taiwan and China — how does he know the US won't also team up with South Korea for an invasion of the North? Trump's relationship with, and policies towards, North Korea maintained stability in the Korean Peninsula.

Red State

Democratic narrative

Kim Jong-un's geopolitical actions have been erratic, and his missile launches are destabilizing the Peninsula. Instead of provoking a confrontation, the leader should take the Biden administration up on its offer to meet without preconditions, and settle any grievances peacefully. Biden is showing strength and prudence in the region.

MSNBC

Establishment-critical narrative

The US has threatened to nuke North Korea, which has the right to defend itself. The US should stop playing 'GloboCop' and prioritize solving its domestic problems.