I find the idea of nuclear retaliation rather unlikely. Even ignoring civilian casualties in the North, it is too close to population centres in the South not t

I find the idea of nuclear retaliation rather unlikely. Even ignoring civilian casualties in the North, it is too close to population centres in the South not to mention Chinese and Russian territory. I think a large conventional attack (with the blessing of China and Russia and possibly also their assistance) is far more likely. That is what I would do. However, you need to be reasonably confident that you can take out their ability to make further nuclear launches not to mention conventional attacks against the South. Remember that Seoul is within artillery range. At this point, the consequences of not acting are probably greater than the consequences of attacking, but I don't see a scenario where it really ends well for anybody. Would the North take that risk? I certainly hope not, but as I said, I don't trust them to be rational.