Local English papers report failure of NK missile fire

In this April 8, 2012 file photo, North Korea's Unha-3 rocket stands at Sohae Satellite Station in Tongchang-ri, North Korea. North Korea fired the long-range rocket early Friday, April 13, 2012, South Korean and U.S. officials said, defying international warnings against moving forward with a launch widely seen as a provocation. <AP/Newsis>

South Korea’s English newspapers reported the failure of North Korea’s long-range rocket, which is called Unha-3, on Friday (April. 13).

The Korea Joongang Daily (KJD) said North Korea apparently ends up in failure of their rocket launch today. North Korea had said it would launch Unha-3 rocket into orbit between April 12 and April 16 for a peaceful purpose, but international community regards it as a test of long-range missiles to ultimately carry on its mass destruction weapon like nuclear warheads. North appears to be preparing for a third nuclear test after the rocket launch, quoted South Korean official.

According to KJD, North’s rocket launch coincides with their effort to finalize power succession process from the late leader Kim Jong-il to Kim Jong-un. He was appointed as the ‘first secretary’ of the ruling party on Wednesday and adds another major title, chairman of the National Defense Commission at the Supreme People’s Assembly session, which is slated for today (April 13).

The Korea Herald, another domestic English newspaper, said North Korea’s long-range rocket crashes shortly after take-off. The rocket splintered into pieces moments after take-off, quoting the announcement of  the South Korean Defense Ministry. It further said the rocket launch was confirmed a ‘failure’, citing the remarks by South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan.

The paper cited an expert as saying that the Unha-3 carrier was the same type of rocket that would be used to launch a long-range missile which is aimed at the U.S. and other targets. Moreover, it said, North has tested two atomic devices but not believed to have mastered the technology they needed to mount a nuclear warhead.

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