Kim Tae Young, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, said on the 8th that, “North Korea is pursuing the development of small-size nuclear warheads that can be loaded unto missiles.”
Kim participated in the Administration Inspection of the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee and said the above quote in response to a question from Grand National Party (GNP) member Yoo Seong Min. He then noted, “I cannot say with certainty [that North Korea currently possesses small-size nuclear warheads].”
He added, “We have seen the North manufacturing nuclear weapons and conducting experimental high-explosive detonations, so we presume that it has the capacity (for developing small-size nuclear warheads).”
Kim replied to GNP member Yoo’s question – “The view of the Ministry of National Defense is that North Korea has 40kg of plutonium; with this amount, how many nuclear warheads they can make?” – with the following: “We believe they can produce six to seven.”
Minister of National Defense Lee Sang Hee remarked, “We have yet to acquire intelligence that North Korea is developing EMP (electromagnetic pulse) heads, but will approach this by keeping in mind the possibility of future development.”
A person close to the Joint Chiefs said in a supplemental remark, “If EMP heads explode, it is evaluated that damage to electronic communications equipment will be significant. The U.S. is currently developing them, and these will be completed by 2010.”
He explained, “The scope of damage of an EMP head currently being developed by the U.S. is a 60 meter radius, but by 2010, this is expected to increase to 6.8 kilometers. Our military will also supplement electronic equipment with the defensive capability of EMP warheads.”
The person added, “Presently the adaptation technique is being studied at the Agency for Defense Development.” EMP heads, which emit electric waves as strong as lightening, are non-lethal weapons which cause paralysis or destroy the electric parts of computer networks, the air defense system, and the command control system (C41).
Minister Lee said in response to members who asked whether the conversion time of the wartime operation control planned for 2012 should be renegotiated, “Even if this was decided by the past administration, the decision depends on the benefit to national interest. If it is not beneficial, then such a measure cannot be selected.”
Minister Lee further stated, “The conversion issue of the wartime operation control is something that has already been decided between the U.S. and South Korea. Through the annual U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Meeting and the MCM (Military Committee Meeting), these matters are decided so that the security situation and the extent of our readiness is comprehensively evaluated and adjusted moving forward.”
Lee also said regarding former president Roh Moo Hyun’s recent statement that we must think from the perspective of the North in regards to the nuclear issue, “While North Korea is our actual and present threat, it is simultaneously our partner with whom we must carry out the final goal, unification. All policies are decided by how to propel the two together.”
