Likely the intel was just too compelling, from the Dongchangri (test area), the Sohae launch site, Kangson research facility in Pyongan Province just north of Pyongyang by about 8 clicks, and the newest stuff to emerge about Sunan Airport missile activity. This information provided to POTUS, and at the urging of Pompeo and Bolton, he confronted DPRK with it and they lost it. Their tactical stance was they had so much wanted lengthy one-on-ones between the dictator and POTUS but were overruled. And thank God for that. They have every right to be pushed now and they will start the Temper Tantrum Mode again (as they have for 40 years) and until they once again get what they want. I believe they will be showing more stick and less carrot in the coming days.
most criminals think they are smarter than everybody else. I put Kim in that category.
The “they” here is the North Koreans of course.
You’re right. This pattern of behavior is SOP for NK. They’ll make some noise, launch a few SRBMs, maybe even a MRBM or IRBM. If they’re really pushing they’ll loft one over Japan and they’ll conduct another nuclear test. Although you have to wonder just how much weapons grade material they have and how much inventory they can squander on showmanship. Then again, that may be the primary purpose of their nuclear program - not so much to ever actually use it, but more as big fireworks to be brought out and detonated as negotiating tools.