|
I am a Korean American who was born in North Korea and fled to South during the Korean War in 1953. The recent spate of anti-American street demonstrations by the young generation of the Koreans concerns and worries me tremendously. The tragic and accidental deaths of two school girls and subsequent "not guilty" verdict by the U.S. military court surely invoke sadness and compassion to the dead among many Korean people. Recently though, so often the demonstrations turn into blatant anti-American, left leaning shouting events on the street.
Most young Korean people think it is past time that South Korea solve the unification issues without foreign military presence to my surprise and disappointment. There is no doubt in my mind the North will invade again the South when and if U.S. military withdraws. When you watch TV clips in North Korean military ceremony, the Korean map is one color and they insist they are the one to unify Korea under their own term. That is why the North insist U.S. withdrawal every time they get the opportunity at any negotiation table.
Already I see the hostile attitude and comments toward the South Korean people and the government here in American media. Columnists like William Safire in New York Times, Bob Novak in Washington Post, and Pat Buchanan at MSMBC to name a few. They were the staunch pro-South Korea journalists before but now propose complete U.S. military withdrawal from Korea. I think their idea and the constant letter writing from American military personnel from Korea to their respective congress men/women will play a significant role in making of public opinion and eventual U.S. government decision to withdraw here in America.
I would not terribly concerned if the South Korean youngsters including the college students really want to fight against North's invasion. However, I am afraid they are the first one try to avoid any sacrifices needed to protect their country from the communist rule in case of a war. And they do not want to live under a dictatorship either. We have to admit the fact that over fifty years the so-called "annoying and arrogant" U.S. military helped prevent an invasion from the North during which time South Korea really prospered economically, politically to the current level.
More matured and cool-headed dialogue and the negotiations from the Korean politicians and diplomats in the international forum are required necessary to address these problems to avert possible disaster.
I sincerely hope the young students curve flag burning anti_America demonstrations on the street. South Korean government at the same time should begin to prepare for defending the country in the absence of U.S. military presence.
Yong C. Park
Longworth Court
Gaithersburg, MD
|
