Guam is a misdirection.
They have no idea of our ability to identify them through satellite, submarine and airborne radars. We can track them like so many UPS packages.
The NORKs have 70 percent of their military within 50 miles of the DMZ. They win or lose based on an overwhelming attack that combines surprise with chaos (with deployment of special forces to the rear of ROK forces and panic by civilians). The ROK military is entirely capable of handling them mano a Mann even if the NORKs had the advantages of surprise and chaos. Supported by our intelligence and selected forces, the balance tilts decidedly in favor of South Korea.
On the other hand, if the US dictated the time and place of the start of the war, the NORKs would have absolutely no chance. Indeed, it is possible their generals would see the handwriting on the wall and not turn on their twerp-in-charge.
More than 15 years ago, in a classified briefing (now outside the 7-year limit), some of us were briefed on Korea, as we were doing some “consulting.”.
Our forces there were nothing but a tripwire. Even if Norks did not use slime, they were expected to take country in 4 days.
One of the major reasons they did not, was that they would have no idea what do with SK if they conquered it.
I agree that the Nork general staff, or at least three brave and ambitious members of it, are the answer.