You, know, I do wonder if the comprodor elites of Vassels like Occupied Korea buy into the scaremongering as fanatics or if it’s entirely a show. I guess it would be a combination of both based on who the empire wants in power at any specific point.

But, for my money, I’d assume they don’t feel very insecure at all. The DPRK is not a violent rabid entity, and is much more focused on internal development at this moment in time. Even if they could militarily overwhelm the South with the US distracted, they wouldn’t because it would obviously lead to more problems to juggle then they currently have.

I reckon that the leadership of South is well aware of their neighbor’s rational tendencies and isn’t sweating too much about it. However, I’d imagine that the fanatical reactionary elements who seek to start a war with the North are probably fuming right now.