North Korea’s Obsession with Bombing American Holidays

[Carmen Elsa Irarragorri Wyland]

Ask any American whether they find North Korea irritating and you’re likely to receive a solid “yes.” If anything, you may find that most Americans elevate their actions beyond simple irritation and into outright frustration. The country’s leaders are indignant, insistent, and essentially, completely unwilling to stop bomb and missile tests at the request of countries like the United States.

Either way, most people can agree that flying in the face of requests from outside militaries and continuing to test weapons (of potential mass destruction) is “ballsy” and supremely annoying. But the timing of their tests may point to a desire to be even more brazen than many of us here on home soil even realize.

Timed With Holidays?

Some Americans are taking up the task of mapping out North Korea’s tests by date. What they’re finding is that most (just shy of all) tests occur either on or near American holidays and/or high-priority events.

This recent massive nuclear weapon test on Labor Day supports the theory that Kim Jong Un is specifically timing tests to fall on special occasions or events in an effort to ramp up the annoyance level so the world will pay attention.

Just look at these examples:

New Year’s Day – Kim Jong Un announces a plan to launch an ICBM
February 12 – Launch during meeting between Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump
May 14 – Launch as Chinese president Xi Jinping announces OBOR
Independence Day – North Korea claims they can send ICBMs “anywhere”
Labor Day – Largest nuclear missile test to date on holiday weekend

What does this timing mean?

It’s possible that the timing itself is little more than a coincidence for non-holiday dates. But it’s difficult to ignore the fact that least two of these events occurred on major American holidays, when politicians (including the POTUS) are more likely to be busy with celebrations or “away from the desk” somehow.

It’s possible that Kim Jong Un is aware of the fact that leaders would effectively need to drop holiday celebrations to deal with announcements and events, if only behind the scenes. For the tiny country’s leaders, such timing could be utilized to ensure that they hold attention in both national governments and the media.

Associate Professor Robert Kelly, who works for Pusan National University in South Korea, summed up his feelings about the interruptions while on a Labor Day beach excursion with his daughter.

“Marion and I are at the beach. No time for this nuke test. Stop ruining my weekends, Kim Jong Corleone.”

One can only wonder at how it seems as if the United States is in a bad relationship. Marriage therapists and counselors also frequently claim that fighting and arguments seem more likely to occur on holidays and special events, too. That makes North Korea a bit like a terrifying ex-girlfriend the world just can’t shake.

What does this timing mean?

It’s possible that the timing itself is little more than a coincidence for non-holiday dates. But it’s difficult to ignore the fact that least two of these events occurred on major American holidays, when politicians (including the POTUS) are more likely to be busy with celebrations or “away from the desk” somehow.

It’s possible that Kim Jong Un is aware of the fact that leaders would effectively need to drop holiday celebrations to deal with announcements and events, if only behind the scenes. For the tiny country’s leaders, such timing could be utilized to ensure that they hold attention in both national governments and the media.

Associate Professor Robert Kelly, who works for Pusan National University in South Korea, summed up his feelings about the interruptions while on a Labor Day beach excursion with his daughter.

“Marion and I are at the beach. No time for this nuke test. Stop ruining my weekends, Kim Jong Corleone.”

One can only wonder at how it seems as if the United States is in a bad relationship. Marriage therapists and counselors also frequently claim that fighting and arguments seem more likely to occur on holidays and special events, too. That makes North Korea a bit like a terrifying ex-girlfriend the world just can’t shake.