S. Korea Revises Defense Law To Authorize *PRE-EMPTIVE ATTACK* on N. Korea (Video) Breaking

NNN TV News in Japan (link to video) ^ | 26 June 2009 | AmericanInTokyo

[AmericanInTokyo]

Go to the page HERE

Hit the little orange box with the arrow, right below this photo, and the video will stream very shortly:

From Japanese national TV just a few hours ago, the NNN network--prime time.

The Japanese news says this is unprecedented.

Getting hot, folks.

[AmericanInTokyo]

My FReeper translation from the original Japanese:

S. Korea has quickly revised their defense plan policy to allow for a PRE-EMPTIVE MILITARY STRIKE ON NORTH KOREA in the event it appears Pyongyang is going to go ahead with missile attacks or nuclear launches. The conclusion was that this is going to really rattle the North Korean's cage tomorrow or in the next few days and give them a case of the squirts.

Video about 1 minute long. Will be up on this site for maybe a day or so.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Ping!

[DogBarkTree]

Glad somebody has some ballz. The SK president was quick to assess that Obama is a coward and not to be counted on when things go bad.

[Tallguy]

Good move, but “Ruh-Roh”! Things are getting superheated on the Peninsula...

[Perdogg]

lock and load baby!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_MdhG6bxao

[Bon mots]

We need to supply the South with some nukes of their own. You can’t use a stick against a guy with a bazooka.

[wk4bush2004]

I was watching that video....where was the missile coming from?

[silverleaf]

interesting, from Japan

will they do the same?

[AmericanInTokyo]

Oh they will have a lot of bile to spill out tomorrow night on Pyongyang TV and Radio, and KCNA website from North Korea. They want a fight? Looks like they are about to get one. And Japan, I assure you, is FED UP WITH THIS SHIT from North Korea and is doing things behind the scenes, too. Nobody is going to wait for Obama it seems.

[MizSterious]

Can’t thank you enough for posting these pieces of news as you do. Often, we don’t see them otherwise, because US news isn’t that interested in substantial matters.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Conservative, anti-communist Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan has also assessed through their intelligence that Obama is both a coward and an incompetent. I have been getting this information recently. On the surface everyone is smiling and shaking hands, but believe me, the confidence factor here in Northeast toward the President is shockingly (maybe not shockingly) very low.

[Kakaze]

The left thought Dubya would get us into a war, we could not get out of......well the cowardice and out right stupidity of obamas administration will not get us into a war but a World War.

[indylindy]

Meanwhile Obama is firing off an apology to Kim Jong Il for not inviting him to the big luau on the WH lawn.

[edpc]

Time for Obama to go on another burger run.

[Le Chien Rouge]

The SK president was quick to assess that Obama is a coward

...seems everyday, more and more of the USA allies are sensing the lack of spine within Barrack Obama...

[TigerLikesRooster]

From Yonhap: (Yep, pre-emptive strikes when launches are imminent)

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2009/06/26/28/0301000000AEN20090626005600315F.HTML

S. Korea to bolster capabilities to head off N.K. nuclear, missile attacks

By Sam Kim

SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) — South Korea on Friday unveiled a revision of its long-term national defense reform plan, seeking to reinforce its capabilities to choke off potential nuclear and missile offensives by North Korea.

The revision of the “National Defense Reform 2020,” first introduced in 2005 a year before North Korea conducted its first nuclear explosion and test-fired a ballistic missile, comes as tension is heightening on the Korean Peninsula following the North's second nuclear test last month.

The defense reform plan came under scrutiny early last year, when President Lee Myung-bak took office in Seoul with a pledge to press harder for the nuclear disarmament of North Korea, driving the inter-Korean relations to the lowest ebb since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a cease-fire, not a peace treaty.

Amid the escalating hostility, North Korea declared the armistice void last month, threatening nuclear retaliation in the event of a war and accusing South Korea and the U.S. of moving to stifle its regime by imposing a blockade.

The new Defense Reform Plan 2020, approved by Lee on Friday, stresses the importance of expanding high-tech military assets capable of monitoring and striking North Korean nuclear and missile bases.

The South Korean military “should reinforce its capacity to perform surveillance and reconnaissance, conduct precision-guided strikes and make interceptions,” according to the reform plan.

The reinforcement is aimed at “stemming and eliminating to a maximum degree” what the Ministry of National Defense described as the North's “asymmetrical threats” — nuclear and missile programs.

“If it becomes clear that North Korea is moving to hit us with nuclear and missile arsenal, we will hit its bases as quickly as possible to prevent launches no matter where they are,” a senior official, who took part in creating the new defense guidelines, said.

South Korea's ability to scrutinize North Korean bases north of Pyongyang remains limited because of its lack of high-tech intelligence equipment, according to South Korean defense sources.

The latest guidelines seek to redress the shortfall by 2020 through the acquisition of drones and satellites, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to disclose his identity to the public.

“But we don't by any means have any intention to consider a preemptive strike on North Korean bases when there is no clear evidence of an imminent attack,” he said.

The revised reform plan, which estimates about 599.3 trillion won (US$466 billion) will be needed to meet the goals, said North Korea's special forces and its long-range artillery positioned along the border represented the other areas where the South remained under strength.

“A fierce and large-scale engagement between ground troops is inevitable upon the start of a war,” the document said, predicting that U.S. and South Korean air forces would have difficulties navigating the rugged topography to provide close air support.

The U.S. has 28,500 troops and about 80 non-rotational fighter aircraft stationed here as a deterrent against North Korea.

The document said other assets South Korea should introduce to improve its defenses against nuclear and missile threats include interceptors that can be launched from naval vessels.

Refurbishment of defense facilities against electromagnetic pulses emitted from a nuclear explosion is also part of the systems the document suggested. The pulses, weapons experts say, can paralyze defense systems outside the range of a blast.

[MizSterious]

I have often wondered about Japan, and I have what’s probably a dumb question—I’m sure they have the technology for some advanced weaponry, but would they actually create such weapons in secret? In their place, I would.

[Oldpuppymax]

So there is more courage and patriotism in South Korea than in the US? (government, that is)

[MizSterious]

"Meanwhile Obama is firing off an apology to Kim Jong Il for not inviting him to the big luau on the WH lawn."

And no doubt thinking of new ways to dismantle more of our defense systems.

[AmericanInTokyo]

With the sudden death of King Michael, don't expect any significant news back there in the USA from critical/powderkeg Northeast Asia for the next 10 days, while they feed the American People (many whom want it) sheer bread and circuses, just pablum bordering on vomitum. Come here to Free Republic to escape the tabloidism in the USA and find out what is happening out here, and maybe indications of what likely will happen, before a lot of US news outlets attempt to even think about carrying it and being square with the American people. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Freeper.

[AmericanInTokyo]

That missile appears to be off an Aegis warship, and the initial title in Japanese said “South Korean military maneuvers in September 2008”, so it is file footage.

[indylindy]

Well you know, we don’t need that little old stuff anymore. One of the TOTUS speeches ought to do the trick.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Well I'll be a これは、２６日夕方に発表した「防衛計画」の修正案で

[AmericanInTokyo]

Friend, I am afraid it is getting serious now.

[jhpigott]

ping

[AmericanInTokyo]

Yep, Tiger, that’s it. Eagles Up! ;-)

[F15Eagle]

“because US news isn’t that interested in substantial matters”

Aw, c’mon. Brian Williams and most of the rest of the MSM gave up plenty of info on Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog. They just don't have any time slots for a nuclear-armed kook in North Korea.

And don't forget, you can get a souvenir “hope and change” commemorative plate for only $19.99.

[TigerLikesRooster]

CNN International is all ‘Jacko’ all the time. LOL.

[pappyone]

However, there is still time for Kim to drop in to the 4th of July bash at our embassy in China.

[pappyone]

We already have. U.S. submarines with nuclear strike capability.

[Kakaze]

Friend, I am afraid it is getting serious now.

I know, keep your head down, your close to the front line.

Although, if it blows like I fear it will, the lines will be hard to see.

[AmericanInTokyo]

If I knew something specific along those lines, and knowing who the common enemy is here in Northeast Asia, I would not articulate it here, that's for sure. But I would encourage them (Japan) indeed to develop those defensive and offensive capabilities as quickly as possible. It would be my understanding that they are, but are not making a big noise about it. Tokyo (and Seoul) MUST, for the sake of their own survival, take this route because of the current occupant of the White House, who for all intents and purposes is now clearly and intricately understood by the nations in the region, both friend and foe alike.

Elections have consequences. What was all this "Yes We Can" and a new era of international respect and peace? You will hear that ironic question more and more these days in the streets of Seoul and Tokyo.

[indylindy]

Looks like South Korea may be providing the fireworks for that 4th of July party at the embassy.

[Munz]

>>lock and load baby!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_MdhG6bxao<<

Oh but it is i assure you .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SVwSGPLOc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKz7NsEguI0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n8c_VroYSI

[pawnshop dave]

As a U.S. veteran I am disgusted by the lack of support the current administration is giving our ALLIES.Most of these countries have stood by us for decades!I for one would be PROUD to fight with them for their freedom! That is if they can use an “oldish” guy who still has a lot of spirit and can use a rifle,handgun, or anything they would train me to use.It’s time for (U.S.) to show our appreciation, even if our gubmint won’t!!!!!!

[AmericanInTokyo]

Yep. 26th a.m. US time. 26th p.m. Seoul/Tokyo time.

[maquiladora]

The plan is called Defense Reform 2020.

Don't expect to see changes overnight, or for a few years....

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/116_47542.html

[Bon mots]

We already have. U.S. submarines with nuclear strike capability.

They are American submarines.
Obama would never launch a nuke, he is a pantywaist.
South Korea needs their own nukes. So does Japan.

[Steel Wolf]

...seems everyday, more and more of the USA allies are sensing the lack of spine within Barrack Obama...

Even Hollywood gets it. The new Transformers movie openly derides President Obama, by name, depicting him and his administration as afraid to confront the Decepticon invaders. And not just in passing. The plot, such as it was, basically revolved around the willingness of some to fight back while others wanted only to appease the villains and hope they'd go away. It was clear that the administration knew that 'negotiation' meant giving them whatever they wanted.

It was amazingly blunt political criticism for an summer action movie. When you portray Optimus Prime as thinking that our current President is (for lack of a better term) a pussy, that resonates deep in the cultural DNA of people in my generation. Funny that it takes a fictional character to point out the emperor has no clothes, but that hit will leave a mark.

[piytar]

Yup, instead our LSM (Lame Stream Media) is on its second day of 24 hour coverage about Michael Jackson dying. The only news there is that numerous 6 year old boys can sleep soundly for the first time in years. /hurl

[AmericanInTokyo]

fascinating

[MaxMax]

Obama isn't even a paper tiger. He's a lubricated hand puppet.

[353FMG]

“..Obama is a coward.”

.
Perhaps cowardice has nothing to do with it — perhaps the situation with NORK fits in perfectly with his plan for the destruction of the US.

[mojito]

The truth is that the White House doesn't want the press covering what's happening in NK, because 0bambi and his handlers can't spin it to any advantage.

And what 0bambi wants, 0bambi gets.

[AmericanInTokyo]

This is EXACTLY what is happening over there stateside. It is controlled media. It is not much different than Pravda in the Soviet Union days. I STRONGLY urge Freepers to go to blogs, chat rooms, foreign news sites, Freeper Reports, use translation software and comb Japanese and Korean sites, etc. to find out what the hell is REALLY going on and to just go around the MSM who is doing a great disservice in covering for Obama and downplaying serious situations.

[wonders]

First, my gratitude for your untiring efforts to keep us informed. Beautiful job.

Second, is this an announcement of an emergency session changing the policy, or is it part of the 2020 Plan?

Thank you again for your excellent analysis and timely updates.

wonders

[SueRae]

Thank you for keeping us informed. goodness knows we’re not hearing it from our news solurces...

And the Congress is worried about passing carbon tax legislation???

Here’s a REAL threat to global warming..

Boggles the mind.

[TomGuy]

South Korea Military Strength [Ranked #12 of Nations] PERSONNEL Total Population: 48,379,392 [2008] Population Available: 26,721,668 [2008] Fit for Military Service: 21,966,367 [2008] Reaching Military Age Annually: 696,516 [2008] Active Military Personnel: 687,000 [2008] Active Military Reserve: 4,500,000 [2008] Active Paramilitary Units: 22,000 [2008] ARMY Total Land-Based Weapons: 8,325 Tanks: 1,060 [2004] Armored Personnel Carriers: 2,480 [2004] Towed Artillery: 4,000 [2004] Self-Propelled Guns: 500 [2004] Multiple Rocket Launch Systems: 185 [2004] Mortars: 6,000 [2004] Anti-Tank Guided Weapons: 58 [2004] Anti-Aircraft Weapons: 1,692 [2004] NAVY Total Navy Ships: 85 Merchant Marine Strength: 812 [2008] Major Ports and Harbors: 4 Aircraft Carriers: 0 [2008] Destroyers: 6 [2004] Submarines: 20 [2004] Frigates: 9 [2004] Patrol & Coastal Craft: 75 [2004] Mine Warfare Craft: 15 [2004] Amphibious Craft: 28 [2004] AIR FORCE Total Aircraft: 538 [2004] Helicopters: 502 [2004] Serviceable Airports: 150 [2007] FINANCES (USD) Defense Budget: $25,500,000,000 [2007] Foreign Exch. & Gold: $262,200,000,000 [2007] Purchasing Power: $1,206,000,000,000 [2007] OIL Oil Production: 17,050 bbl/day [2005] Oil Consumption: 2,130,000 bbl/day [2006] Proven Oil Reserves: 0 bbl [2006] LOGISTICAL Labor Force: 24,220,000 [2007] Roadways: 102,062 km Railways: 3,472 km GEOGRAPHIC Waterways: 1,608 km Coastline: 2,413 km Square Land Area: 98,480 km Sources: US Library of Congress; Central Intelligence Agency Last Updated: 2/12/2009

North Korea Military Strength [Ranked #20 of Nations] PERSONNEL Total Population: 23,479,088 [2008] Population Available: 12,414,017 [2008] Fit for Military Service: 10,280,687 [2008] Reaching Military Age Annually: 392,016 [2008] Active Military Personnel: 1,170,000 [2008] Active Military Reserve: 4,700,000 [2008] Active Paramilitary Units: 189,000 [2008] ARMY Total Land-Based Weapons: 16,400 Tanks: 3,500 [2006] Armored Personnel Carriers: 2,500 [2006] Towed Artillery: 3,500 [2006] Self-Propelled Guns: 4,400 [2006] Multiple Rocket Launch Systems: 2,500 [2006] Mortars: 7,500 [2006] Anti-Aircraft Weapons: 11,000 [2006]   NAVY Total Navy Ships: 708 Merchant Marine Strength: 167 [2008] Major Ports and Harbors: 12 Aircraft Carriers: 0 [2008] Destroyers: 0 [2008] Submarines: 97 [2008] Frigates: 3 [2006] Patrol & Coastal Craft: 492 [2006] Mine Warfare Craft: 23 [2006] Amphibious Craft: 140 [2006] AIR FORCE Total Aircraft: 1,778 [2006] Helicopters: 612 [2006] Serviceable Airports: 77 [2007] FINANCES (USD) Defense Budget: $5,500,000,000 [2005] Purchasing Power: $40,000,000,000 [2007]   OIL Oil Production: 141 bbl/day [2005] Oil Consumption: 10,520 bbl/day [2006]   LOGISTICAL Labor Force: 20,000,000 [2004] Roadways: 25,554 km Railways: 5,235 km GEOGRAPHIC Waterways: 2,250 km Coastline: 2,495 km Square Land Area: 120,540 km Sources: US Library of Congress; Central Intelligence Agency Last Updated: 2/12/2009

from GlobalFirepower.com: Strength in Numbers

[gitmo]

Scary numbers.

[TomGuy]

from Korea Times

South to Boost Surgical Strike Capability Against North

The South Korean military plans to speed up efforts to deploy ground, air and naval weapons systems for use in strikes against key facilities in North Korea in the event of war, the Ministry of National Defense said Friday.

The plan is part of a revised version of a military modernization package. The ministry unveiled the revision of the Defense Reform 2020 initiative drawn up in 2005.

The updated plan is focused on securing independent capabilities to remove North Korea's asymmetrical military threat of nuclear and missile programs by deploying sophisticated surveillance, reconnaissance and striking assets.

In the case of an emergency, the military could conduct pre-emptive strikes against nuclear and missile facilities, an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

``That depends on a decision by the leadership,'' the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Under an integrated defense mechanism, the Air Force's multi-purpose satellite, early warning aircraft and high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, along with a ground-based early warning radar, conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions around the clock, according to the defense reform plan.

Once signs of unusual movement, such as missile and nuclear tests, are detected, F-15K and other advanced aircraft are to conduct surgical strikes against the relevant facilities, it says.

Both ship-based and ground-based interceptors are ready to shoot down missiles from the North, it says.

The military is considering the introduction of up-to-date SM-6 extended range active missiles, which are being developed by the U.S. Navy and Raytheon, the JCS official said.

The purchase of the PAC-3 missile interceptor system is also under consideration, he said.

The Army, for its part, will triple the number of its K-9 self-propelled howitzers and next-generation multiple launch rocket systems to counter attacks by North Korea's long-range artillery deployed near the border.

About 15 trillion won ($11.6 billion) will go towards producing and deploying about 1,000 K-9 and new multiple launch rocket systems by 2020, said the JCS official.

The North is believed to have about 1,100 long-range artillery systems, including 60-kilometer-range 240mm rocket launchers, along the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas.

Under the revised plan, the military has readjusted its target troop reduction number to 517,000. The original plan called for cutting the troop level from 690,000 to 500,000 by 2020.

For example, the military has decided to decrease the number of Marine force cuts from 4,000 to 3,200, in a bid to boost defense against North Korea's provocation in the volatile western waters.

The military has also decided to withdraw a plan to slash the number South Korean service members supporting the U.S. Army here, called Korean Augmentation Troops to the U.S. Army (KATUSA).

In an Army restructuring plan, five regional corps and two mechanized corps will be operated separately from three specialized commands for air operations, guided missiles and special operations.

The Capital Defense Command in Seoul will serve as the regional corps responsible for the defense of the capital area after merging with the Capital Defense Corps currently based in Gyeonggi Province.

The Army will maintain 28 divisions in peacetime. In case of an emergency, the number will increase to 38 with the reinforcement of reserved troops.

gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr