US President George W. Bush has apologized for the death of two middle school students in a traffic accident involving an American armored vehicle, but anti-Americanism actually seems to be spreading. Thursday alone there were several anti-American statements issued by various organizations, and there were anti-American demonstrations large and small. It's gotten to the point where the city council of Uijeongbu, where the incident occurred, resolved to ask the whole of its citizens to join in the campaign.

What is alarming about the situation is the rapid spread of sympathy to anti-US claims among the regular public. There are reasons for this; the dead were middle school students, the US servicemen who were declared not guilty by a military court left the country as soon as this had happened, and Koreans are unable to hold back their anger and shock.

This is a case that has left a large scar on the hearts of all Koreans, beginning with the girls families, but while campaigns and demonstrations may be one way of saying there's a problem, it is not a solution and does not finish anything. On the contrary, it could make wounds worse. Some demonstrators are throwing petrol bombs at US bases, or cutting their way through the fence and entering facilities. This is something that could cause an even larger event of misfortune.

The move by some to plant the seeds of anti-American consciousness in elementary, middle, and high school students is something that needs close attention from everyone, because instead of healing the discord or providing a solution, it could lead to endless conflict. After all, Korea and the United States need each other, and the United States Forces Korea helps maintain the balance and stability of all of Northeast Asia, not only the Korean Peninsula. What everyone should be thinking about is a way to resolve the current situation.

Finding an answer will of course no be an easy process. Even when it comes to the demand that the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) be amended, given international convention, it is very unlikely that the US will surrender the right to try crimes committed in the course of official duty. Still, what is important at this point is that the governments, leadership, and people of both countries start looking in the direction of a rational solution. Does the Kim Dae-jung government plan to stay there with its arms folded?

November 29, 2002