2012 in North Korea explained

The following lists events that happened in 2012 in North Korea.

Incumbents

• Premier

• Supreme Leader

Kim Jong-un

Events

February

• February 29 - A meeting with the U.S. in Beijing has North Korea apparently agreeing to suspend its Yongbyon uranium enrichment operations, invite IAEA monitors, and refrain from launching long-range missiles and nuclear testing, in exchange for American food aid, which immediately falls apart following an immediate rocket launch and the appearance off ICBM trucks at a Pyongyang military parade.^[1]

April

• April 12 - Despite warnings by U.S. President Barack Obama that Jong-Un has nothing to gain from provocations, Pyongyang proceeds to launch a satellite launching rocket, which disintegrates in mid-air.^{[2] [3]}

August

• Kim visits the Kaemori artillery unit in recognition of the second year anniversary of the November 23, 2010 bombardment of Yeonpyeong, reminding them to be ready to fight a “sacred war” against Seoul, ahead of a USAF/ROKAF annual war games exercises to be conducted. Jong-Un calls the exercises; a “war rehearsal” to invade.^[3]

October

• Pyongyang claims to have developed missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland.^[3]

December

• Pyongyang announces plans to launch another satellite into space. The launch is delayed by two days due to technical issues, the satellite is successfully launched. Pyongyang declares the mission a success.^[3]

Further reading

• Book: Frank, Rüdiger . North Korea in 2012: Domestic Politics, the Economy and Social Issues . Korea 2013: Politics, Economy and Society . . 2013 . 978-9004262973 .
• Lee. Hong Yung. North Korea in 2012: Kim Jong Un's Succession. Asian Survey. 53. 1. 2013. 176–183. 0004-4687. 10.1525/as.2013.53.1.176.

Notes and References

1. Web site: North Korean Nuclear Negotiations. Council on Foreign Relations. October 17, 2023.
2. Web site: North Korean Rocket Fails Moments After Liftoff. New York Times. April 12, 2012. October 17, 2023.
3. Web site: North Korea’s war of words escalates – Timeline of a crisis. CNN. April 11, 2013. October 17, 2023.