S. Korea to step up defense against nuclear-generated electromagnetic threats

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By Sam Kim
SEOUL, June 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to step up its defenses against the
threat of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which could paralyze its high-tech
weapons systems in the event of a nuclear blast, a source said Wednesday.

The plan, part of a defense reform plan subject to presidential approval this
week, comes amid high tension on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea detonated
a nuclear device on May 25 for the second time.
An EMP is generated from a nuclear explosion and experts say it can lead to the
shutdown of all electronic equipment, including weapons systems, operating within
tens or even hundreds of kilometers.
"It depends on the altitude and strength of the blast," the source said. "An EMP
is a new threat to us. We plan to gradually coat our major defense facilities
against it in case the North tries to disrupt our networks by detonating a
nuclear device before provoking aggression."
The source added the Ministry of National Defense is working on guidelines that
could be used to limit casualties if a nuclear attack were mounted on the South
Korean population.
The two Koreas technically remain at war, as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a
truce rather than a peace treaty.
North Korea has recently warned of nuclear warfare, accusing the U.S. of
harboring plans for a nuclear assault and causing the international community to
tighten sanctions on Pyongyang.
It conducted its first nuclear test in October 2006.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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