South Korea says it could 'destroy North Korea beyond recovery' after latest Pyongyang missile test
Dialogue is 'impossible in a situation like this,' says Moon Jae-in
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Korea’s president has said the country possesses the power to destroy its northern neighbour “beyond recovery”, following Pyongyang’s latest missile test flight over Japan.
Moon Jae-in also said dialogue with the Kim Jong-un was “impossible in a situation like this”, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.
Mr Moon said: “In case North Korea undertakes provocations against us or our ally, we have the power to destroy [them] beyond recovery.
“Dialogue is impossible in a situation like this. International sanctions and pressure will further tighten to force North Korea to choose no other option but to step forward on the path to genuine dialogue.”
The missile, thought to be of the same Hwasong-12 type fired over Japan last month, passed over the northern Hokkaido island and travelled a total of about 2,300 miles, the furthest yet.
Seoul said it was the 19th ballistic missile launched by North Korea this year. Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test last week.
Mr Moon also ordered the South’s military to conduct live-fire ballistic missile tests in response.
Nato called for a “global response” to the latest test.
The UN Security Council unanimously approved new sanctions earlier this week over the nuclear test.
They ban all textile exports and prohibit any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers—two key sources of hard currency.
They also prohibit North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, and cap Pyongyang’s imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.
Additional reporting by agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments