News Article Review

The article I am reviewing is from The Straits Times, Wednesday 19 August 2009, World, South Korea's Rocket Launch Raises Eyebrows.

This article is about South Korea launching a satellite to space today. The satellite can deliver nuclear warheads or other weapons of mass destruction. It is called "Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1", also known as, "Naro-1". South Korea claims that it would not attract the same kind of international criticism heaped on North Korea when they attempted a similar launch. Proliferation experts say that the launch is problematic, even though Seoul says it is for scientific purposes. Under US pressure, South Korea restricted its missile range. Naro-1 is 33m long, and it is a two-stage rocket which was built at 502.5 billion won (S$583 million). Its launch is planned for 3.40p.m. Singapore times ( +8 GMT ) today. (Other details about the articles on the newspaper itself, or the epaper on Straitstimes.com)

What I feel about this article?
I feel that even though Seoul is a close ally of Washington, other countries should not let their guard down and continue to keep a close watch on South Korea's launch, although their launch may not be as problematic as the North Korea's launch. Rocket launches are very serious matters that ought to be carefully carried out, as they cost alot and if somethings goes wrong, alot of money would be wasted.

Why I chose this article?
I chose this article, firstly, because it is one of the important world events, which is on the front page of the World section. Secondly, this is interesting, as if the launch is successful, and South Korea is influenced by North Korea, or they decide to "befriend" each other and share the same goals, they might threaten to harm and destroy parts of the world as they can cause huge destruction.

In conclusion, this article is very important to the world and it ought to be taken seriously (i.e. rocket launches and high-technological stuff).