When the news broke, I think most would have expected something much more from Trump. Remember, this was not long after Trump put Iran “on notice” after their missile test, and that was followed by a conspicuous silence and no action (he didn’t follow through on his strong words). And remember also that Trump tweeted about how North Korean missile capability improving so that America could be hit was that “it won’t happen.” At the end of the day, there’s not a damn thing Trump can do about North Korea. And the North Koreans are well aware of this. All talk. All I hear is bullshit coming from our president, sadly.
I think you’re right regarding how Japan is a bigger thorn in N. Korea’s side than the US is. But you sure wouldn’t know hearing how they talk: “American fuckers” this and “American fuckers” that. I can understand Korean okay, and it doesn’t sound good. The lights go out because of power shortages and North Koreans blame the “American fuckers.” No kidding.