North Korea’s Missile Launch a Bust
Friday, April 13th, 2012April 13, 2012
North Korea’s much-watched launch of a long-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon failed this morning. The rocket broke up and crashed into the Sea of Japan shortly after being launched from northwest North Korea. According to the government in Pyongyang, the capital, the aim of the launch had been to put a satellite into orbit to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-sung, founder of North Korea and grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong-un.
A statue in Pyongyang commemorates Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea. (Courtesy of Dermot Tatlow, Panos Pictures)
International affairs experts described the failure as a major loss of face for Kim and his regime. Kim became leader of North Korea at the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011.
Additional World Book articles:
