A grounded North Korean submarine triggered a 49-day manhunt in South Korea, revealing a plot to assassinate President Kim Young-sam.
Key Facts
- Incident start date
- 18 September 1996
- Duration of manhunt
- 49 days
- North Korean unit involved
- 22nd Squadron, Maritime Dept., Reconnaissance Bureau
- Assassination target
- President Kim Young-sam of South Korea
- Planned assassination date
- 5 October 1996 (visit to Chunchon)
- North Korean response
- Rare formal apology issued months after incident
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
North Korea's Reconnaissance Bureau dispatched an armed espionage team aboard a submarine to South Korea, tasking them with assassinating President Kim Young-sam during his scheduled visit to Chunchon on 5 October 1996. The mission reflected ongoing covert North Korean operations against the South Korean government.
On 18 September 1996, the North Korean submarine ran aground near Gangneung, forcing its crew and agents to abandon the vessel and take refuge in the city. South Korean security forces launched a 49-day manhunt across the region to locate and neutralize the infiltrators from the Reconnaissance Bureau.
The incident resulted in loss of life among both infiltrators and South Korean forces. It was regarded as one of the most serious North Korean espionage operations against South Korea. Months later, North Korea issued a rare apology, acknowledging responsibility for the incident and the casualties it caused.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent