NK test fired six missiles!

- Seo Ju-seok, Cheong Wa Dae’s unification and diplomacy policy chief, officially confirmed that North Korea test fired a Taepodong 2 missile around 5am and five other missiles with the level of Rodong or scud missile from at 3:32 am. “According to what we have analyzed so far, we consider Taepodong a failure because it seems to fall into the East Sea shortly after it was launched.”

- North Korea’s test firing missiles in this morning seems to be a bold stunt to get international attention. “That the North test fired its missiles in conjunction with the delayed launch of US space shuttle Discovery seems to show Pyongyang’s intention to display its missile capability to the international community,” said a high-ranking official from US Department of State.

- In the run up to its surprise test firing this morning, Kim Jung-il said to have shown laid-back and calm attitudes. According to Chosun Central News Agency, Mr. Kim on July 3 watched a Russian folk dance show and on the next day he visited Daesung tire plant newly constructed in Pyongyang.

- The government is holding an emergency meeting from 8:30 am this morning over a possible negative impact of North Korea’s missile launch on South Korea’s economy. The most worrisome for government officials is the possible instability of financial market might drive international investment to fly out of the country.