South Korea Concerned about North Korea's Potential for a Hamas-inspired Attack

During a dinner at his home with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol highlighted the need for vigilance against potential North Korean attacks, comparing them to the tactics used by Hamas in its recent assault on Israel. South Korean politicians and defence officials have been drawing parallels between the Hamas attack and what North Korea might do to South Korea. The Chair of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff even suggested that if war broke out, there was evidence to suggest it could follow a similar pattern to the Hamas invasion. While South Korea and Israel both live next to hostile neighbors who have threatened to annihilate them, there are doubts about the likelihood of a similar attack on South Korea. Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel, but Pyongyang's artillery could fire an estimated 16,000 rounds per hour. Seoul is developing its own missile defense system similar to Israel's Iron Dome to counter this threat. Additionally, North Korea is believed to have constructed a network of underground tunnels, including some beneath the Demilitarized Zone, which could be used for a potential invasion. It is important to note that North Korea's last significant attack on South Korea occurred 13 years ago. Security experts argue that since then, North Korea's strategy has evolved, with its goal now being to destroy the capital city of Seoul rather than breaching the border. Experts also point out that North Korea possesses a much larger range and variety of artillery compared to Hamas and has focused on improving its arsenal of nuclear weapons in recent years, making the use of similar tactics less likely. The attack on Israel has prompted the conservative South Korean government to question the effectiveness of border security measures. The government is prioritizing military strength and the threat of retaliation over dialogue and engagement with North Korea. The administration has criticized a 2018 military agreement signed by both Koreas that aimed to prevent cross-border skirmishes and attacks. The South Korean Defense Minister has proposed scrapping the agreement in favor of using surveillance drones to monitor the North. However, some experts caution that this could further inflame tensions and make an attack more likely. In conclusion, while South Korea remains vigilant against potential North Korean attacks, the likelihood of a similar assault to that of Hamas on Israel is questionable. South Korea is focusing on strengthening its defenses and reassessing border security measures. The government's priority is to prevent an attack from occurring rather than relying solely on defensive measures.