South Korea says it could 'destroy North Korea beyond recovery' after latest Pyongyang missile test

Dialogue is 'impossible in a situation like this,' says Moon Jae-in

South Korea’s president has said the country possesses the power to destroy its northern neighbour “beyond recovery”, following Pyongyang’s latest missile test flight over Japan.

Moon Jae-in also said dialogue with the Kim Jong-un was “impossible in a situation like this”, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.

Mr Moon said: “In case North Korea undertakes provocations against us or our ally, we have the power to destroy [them] beyond recovery.

“Dialogue is impossible in a situation like this. International sanctions and pressure will further tighten to force North Korea to choose no other option but to step forward on the path to genuine dialogue.”

The missile, thought to be of the same Hwasong-12 type fired over Japan last month, passed over the northern Hokkaido island and travelled a total of about 2,300 miles, the furthest yet.

Seoul said it was the 19th ballistic missile launched by North Korea this year. Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test last week.

Mr Moon also ordered the South’s military to conduct live-fire ballistic missile tests in response.

Nato called for a “global response” to the latest test.

The UN Security Council unanimously approved new sanctions earlier this week over the nuclear test.

They ban all textile exports and prohibit any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers—two key sources of hard currency.

They also prohibit North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, and cap Pyongyang’s imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Additional reporting by agencies