What I learned being a big guy,

[caraher]

22. I think we're actually not trying to intimidate them

Instead, we're trying to make sure South Korea feels reassured that we have their back. After all, despite the bluster there's apparently no evidence North Korea has begun a serious mobilization for war. And as "crazy" as we take the regime to be, they are surely realistic enough to recognize that a war is a no-win proposition for either side. They need the South and US as enemies to keep their misinformed population under control; the very last thing they need is to pop the bubble of the bizzaro-world fantasy they've fed them for decades by actually trying to use their military.

The only thing that can really mess things up is the fact that their military, by virtue of size alone, is capable of causing serious damage to Seoul, and South Korea might feel they can't risk North Korea attacking first (especially since the capital is pretty much within artillery range of the North). So I see us more as the big guy saying to our friend, "Just ignore that loudmouth."