[stevenwoo]

Seoul is near the DMZ, probably closer than San Jose and San Francisco. One would have to take out their entire chain of command to prevent a retaliatory conventional artillery strike on the US bases near the DMZ and Seoul.

[SubiculumCode]

I would think that the death of Kim would lead to.a number of power plays by the various leadership...that they would turn inward...

[stevenwoo]

That's possible. Based on all the border incidents since the end of the Korean War though it looks like the North Korea side is on a hair trigger to respond.

[SubiculumCode]

I was supposing a hypothetical laser attack because it wouldn't be detected like a missile strike would. Therefore, the political need to respond immediately with all out war would be lessened, and maybe take less precedence than the power struggle.