South Korean spies had information in August indicating that North Korea might attack a frontline island, but the intelligence chief dismissed it as a routine threat.
Yeonpyeong Island, close to the disputed maritime border, endured a barrage of North Korean shells last week.
In the wake of the attack – in which two marines and two civilians died – the Defence Minister resigned. President Lee Myung-bak has been criticised for leading a military whose response was seen as too slow and too weak: the North fired 170 rounds, the South 80.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies