The act of barbarity by the terrorists must be penalized. The Korean people are outraged by the frightful death of an innocent young man whose only fault would be pouring his heart out for the Middle East and Arab people. Coarse comments from several Internet users are insisting on an immediate dispatch of Korean combat troops to Iraq. Unmerciful civilian killing by the Iraqi insurgents not only does not fit their religious beliefs but deviates from the general opinion of the Iraqi people. Although finding a specific way to punish the terrorists is difficult in reality, we must at least clearly show them our will to stand strong against terrorist threats. Such an attitude would ward off tragic affairs in the future.

The world is now observing Korea and its people. The world is gazing steadily to see whether Korea would maturely gather the resolute will of the people or look lost not knowing what to do. The secretary-general of the United Nations, U.S. president and leaders worldwide are expressing sorrow at Kim’s death. The press and the media all over the world are showing concerns. In the midst of countries suffering from terrorist attacks and threats from Iraqi insurgents, the choice that Korea makes would indirectly have an influence over those nations. Depending on how dauntlessly Korea overcomes this crisis, this can become an opportunity to show the international community an entirely new aspect of our nation.

In this sense, it was appropriate for President Roh Moo-hyun to proclaim his firm will that terrorism is an anti-humanitarian act and there is nothing to be gained through terrorism. When Roh said that we should not allow the group that killed Kim to achieve their goal through terrorism, the president declared the troop dispatch plan would not change. Nonetheless, right after Roh’s speech, several lawmakers submitted an anti-troop dispatch resolution, once again arousing political conflict. Such an action could give the international community the impression that Korea is weak and submissive against terrorism. In order to resolve issues of the troop dispatch and Kim’s unfortunate death while moving in the direction of keeping the national interest and dignity, the president and the ruling party take firm, centralized leadership.

Similar kidnapping cases could reoccur if the government sticks with the initial troop dispatch plan. The government must closely observe the case once again to see whether it was unavoidable or whether rescue efforts were effective, to arrange countermeasures that could prevent terrorist threats in the future. Such a countermeasure should not resort to temporary expedience but involve detailed data collection and a diversified crisis management system through mutual assistance with allied nations.

A choice a nation makes could collide with individual life and freedom. We could say that this incident has shown us the anguish and pain suffered by a nation and its citizens when each has to make a choice for oneself. As Korea’s national capability and role in the international level heighten, Korea may have to frequently make similar choices. As to not make Kim Sun-il’s death in vain, we must broaden our perspective on the relationship between a nation and its people.