We need to put North Korea's missile tests in perspective. Yes, they're worrying. But the U.S. mainland is not in imminent danger.
I've been in North Korea twice during periods of escalating tensions. As a member of a nonprofit organization that trains North Koreans, I was there in spring 2013 when Pyongyang tested a nuclear device and sanctions followed, and spring 2016, when it happened again. I twice heard people there say that it was "too much, let's get it over with." That harrowing phrase reflects how good North Korea is at keeping its population geared for conflict.
During previous mini-crises that have flared up on the Korean Peninsula, I've also been in South Korea, where such "tensions" don't perk much interest. You know the photo you see on the news of South Koreans huddled around TVs, watching the news about the latest missile launch or nuclear test? That shot is almost always taken at Seoul Station. The viewers aren't engrossed or tense. They're just waiting for a train. If soccer was on, they'd be huddled around watching that. (And many more of them.)
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.