Uhm... I'd like to point out that this was said by US officials, NOT North Korean ones. That doesn't mean that they wouldn't have reasons for getting it released in some manner, but I've heard the story several times today with the implicit assumption that it was in an official public statement FROM N. Korea, which puts a very different spin on things.

I think the US adminstration knew or strongly suspected this for quite a while, as to why they are making it a bit publicized now, I'm not sure. But it looks like the adminstration is not trying to squash it or drown it out. Perhaps taking the time to give N. Korea a hint while the muscle-flexing is already underway.

And I saw this quite a while ago, heh. I have it posted on my door. Here are some more funny ones.