Seoul faces conundrum over option of pre-emptive strike on North Korea

This picture taken on January 27, 2022 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Jan 28 shows what North Korea says is a surface-to-surface tactical guided missile test-fire conducted by the Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK at an undisclosed location. – AFP

IF South Korea faces an imminent attack from nuclear-armed North Korea, what is the most viable military option to defend the country and prevent incalculable and irreparable damage?

Seoul-based experts say South Korea would have no option but to consider launching a pre-emptive strike, although the anticipatory use of force would come with a certain price. That price could far outweigh potential gains, experts say.