N. Korean satellite launch still threat to S. Korea: defense minister

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- Whether North Korea launches a satellite or a missile,
South Korea will consider it a military threat because the technology is
essentially the same, Seoul's top defense official said Tuesday.
"Whether it is a missile or a satellite, it is similar technology. In either
case, we believe it is a threatening act towards us and we are preparing to deal
with it accordingly," Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee said at a National Assembly
hearing.
North Korea declared earlier in the day that it is pushing to launch a satellite,
countering outside intelligence that it is preparing to test-fire its
longest-range missile, the Taepodong-2.
The multi-stage missile is theoretically capable of reaching Alaska and Hawaii,
but experts play down the likelihood of the North having obtained the know-how to
arm one with a nuclear warhead.
The communist North conducted its first known atomic test in 2006.
South Korea's foreign minister warned earlier this month that either a missile or
a satellite launch would trigger sanctions against North Korea.
samkim@yna.co.kr
(END)