South Korean Officials Blasted Over Intel Lapses

SEOUL – South Korea's main opposition party is calling for the dismissal of top intelligence, security and foreign affairs officials for failing to know about the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il before it was officially announced.

The South Korean defense minister and other officials have acknowledged that they learned of Kim's death at the same time Pyongyang's state media told the world Monday.

The admission has caused anger among many South Koreans worrying Kim's death might trigger instability on the Korean peninsula.

The Democratic Party said Wednesday that President Lee Myung-bak must fire officials responsible for the fiasco.

The Dong-a Ilbo says in an editorial that intelligence on North Korea is directly linked to national security.