Backlash Over the North Korean Failed Missile

June 25th, 1950 marked the day when the conflicts over in Korea between the Communist North and the Democratic South turned into war; specifically, the Korean War. Even though a final armistice agreement was signed on July 27 1953, ending the full-scale level of the war, tensions have remained high between the two politically opposite Korean governments. 

North Korea, in particular, has stirred up much controversy for numerous acts of aggression towards its neighboring country since the 1950’s. In addition, on April 13th, 2012, the communist country caused an international uproar when it attempted to launch a missile, claiming that they were attempting to launch a satellite into orbit.   

Both the United States and other countries included in the UN were appalled by North Korea’s actions. Most countries believed that the main objective behind North Korea’s launch was to test the countries long-range missile technology instead of an actual satellite launch. Fortunately for the United States, South Korea, and basically any country other than North Korea, the rocket burst into smithereens which descended into the Yellow Sea part-way through its flight. 

Needless to say, North Korea has been facing severe backlash regarding its recent launch failure. The United States recently made the decision to not send food aid to North Korea as a consequence for their actions. White House National Security Council spokesman Ben Rhodes spoke out against North Korea when he told reporters that, “Their efforts to launch a missile clearly demonstrates that they could not be trusted to keep their commitments.” 

The loss of possible nutritional aid from the United States has hurt the North Korean people, being that food/nutrition shortages have been a huge issue in North Korea for a while now. Yet despite the consequences, it is now believed that North Korea is preparing a third nuclear missile test as a way to flex its military might and to make up for the embarrassing failed missile launch. 

Although North Korea may be trying to make itself a strong and powerful nation, if they continue to undermine UN resolutions by launching and testing banned missiles, they will only continue to exacerbate the current state of its people.