North Korea’s Satellite Launch
February 24, 2016
A satellite test occurred in the Sohae launch facility in western North Korea on Feb. 6 in order to learn more about launch techniques for long-range missiles. The United States Strategic Command stated that at least two new space objects were defected, which were most likely the rocket’s first stage and the actual satellite. Coming fresh off of a supposed underground hydrogen bomb test just one month prior, the United States and other global powers have seen this test as a way to assess military missile technology as opposed to North Korea’s statements of peaceful intentions and purely scientific reasons.
As North Korea finds its way into mainstream media more and more, the American people feel a sense of responsibility to intervene and put an end to the potential threat.
Christian Kim, 12, a member of the Liberty in North Korea club at Downey High School is a firm believer of the idea of American isolationism and thinks the U.S. should not get involved in North Korean affairs.
“I don’t think the United States should intervene until North Korea poses a serious threat,” Kim said. “Intervening can easily transform into a war that can cost millions of lives.”
North Korea has become a rapidly evolving country, amassing large amounts of nuclear weapons but lacking the technology to properly launch these weapons.
Jonathan Yi, 12, founder of the Liberty in North Korea club, soothes the nerves of anxious world leaders like the American and South Korean presidents.
“North Korea launched the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, not a missile, and this could potentially give them a chance to develop long range missile capability, which is why the UN is so upset,” Yi said. “Overall, we shouldn’t be afraid of them using them anytime soon with the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. along with international awareness.”
As a member of the Liberty in North Korea club, one of Joseph Chung’s, 12, main goals is to increase awareness of the oppression of the natural rights of the North Korean people.
“Our society makes it seem as though the daily events of North Korea are some kind of joke,” Chung said. “We need to let the world know that what is occurring at this exact moment is a travesty and something we should do our best to stop, but it all starts with you.”
While debates over the credibility of North Korea’s claim of launching the satellite for scientific reasons still occur, humanitarian groups, like Liberty in North Korea, agree that the people in real danger are the oppressed people of North Korea. The Liberty of North Korea club at Downey High School strives to increase awareness of the human rights issues in North Korea to provide assistance and promote a more peaceful global society.
A day at school for junior, Bruno Braka, is not like every other student’s day, as he is involved in both Yearbook and Newspaper that fill three periods within his schedule. Not only is he involved with journalism, he also finds time to play lacrosse and help out at his parents’ restaurant.
“I never pictured myself being this involved all I was into was lacrosse,” Braka said. “But it all changed junior year when I decided to get involved with yearbook and newspaper, and although the year is just starting out I can already see myself being a lot more busy. The great thing about it is that I’m learning to manage my time wisely.”
Aside from his wide involvement with extra-curricular activities, Braka takes his school work very seriously. Throughout his high school career, he has managed to keep his GPA above a 4.0, taking not only regular college prep classes, but challenging himself with rigorous AP and honors courses.
Leonard Braka, Bruno’s father and owner of Ricci’s Italian Restaurant, has supported him through his busy schedule.
“It’s like I see Bruno grow more and more each day,” Braka said. “He manages to help me and his mother around the restaurant and still keeps his grades up. I’m surprised he finds the time to do all that he does.”
Braka has established many connections with a variety of people throughout his three years in high school. Dale Schlegel, one of the lacrosse coaches at Downey High School, had coached Braka throughout his freshman and sophomore years at Downey.
“Bruno was a great kid to have on the team,” Schlegel said,” the team rallied around him. He’s a real team player.”
Braka wants to make a difference within his school through his participation in school. He has immersed himself within journalism because he wants to capture moments that make others proud of their school. He also wants to serve as an example to others, by getting involved within his parent’s business, sports, and journalism. He hopes other will find, that truly, anything is possible.
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