Air-strikes threat to North Korea

PRESIDENT Lee Myung-bak’s choice for new defence minister said yesterday that South Korean jets will bomb North Korea if it stages an attack similar to last week’s barrage.

The tough words came as Lee’s government suffered intense criticism that the response to the North’s November 23 shelling on a South Korean island was weak, and over a stunning revelation that the South’s spy chief dismissed information in August indicating that North Korea might attack the frontline island.

Lee’s nominee, Kim Kwan-jin, told a parliamentary confirmation hearing that North Korean aggression will result in air-strikes.

He said South Korea will use all its combat capabilities to retaliate.

“In case the enemy attacks our territory and people again, we will thoroughly retaliate to ensure that the enemy cannot provoke again,” Kim said.

South Korea’s National Assembly does not have the power to reject Lee’s appointment.

Kim said it will be difficult for North Korea to conduct a full-scale war because of its weak economy and worries over the success of a plan to transfer power from leader Kim Jong -il to his young, untested son, Kim Jong-un.

Despite the bold declarations, questions have been raised about Lee’s readiness — and even willingness — to stand up to the North.

Picture: South Korean Defence Minister Kim Kwan-jin.