Nuclear testing
I know you Westerners are worried about Kim Jong-il's recent nuclear test and curious about the response here. So far, the sentiment seems primarily nonchalance predicated by the belief that Mr. Kim wouldn't be so stupid as to fire any of his weapons when the US response would be total annhiliation of North Korea. However, when the US proposed removing a percentage of our troops up at the DMZ earlier this year, South Korea reportedly admitted their relative weakness and requested the same contingent remain to protect the border against potential North Korean attacks.
I spoke with an American today who said that the American reaction is much more fearful than it is here. It seems to me from the reports I've read that Kim Jong-il is more interested in proving his capability of defense if attacked than planning an attack himself. For years he has been wary of superpowers upsetting his regime, and with his country in such a downtrodden and weakened state, it wouldn't be hard. Although the North Korean army is the 5th largest worldwide (behind China, the US, Russia and India), it is poor, hungry and outfitted with old soviet tanks and artillery. Their nuclear power is the only factor that even lets them consider playing with the big boys.
Plus, all reports state that North Korea's weapons are pointed at Seoul ... hopefully that would give us Southerners enough warning to get on a ferry to Japan or a plane home before the real fighting broke out.
In general though, life is going on as usual here. I haven't heard any discussion of the threat, there are no bomb drills at school, and we don't have any disaster plans that I know of. So for now, we're all okay. I am, however, beginning to see myself as a bad luck charm. I moved back East just in time to experience 9/11 ... although I did miss the giant NYC blackout and the rolling blackouts in CA.
I've got to run to work, but I SWEAR I'll catch this up soon :)
safe tidings to all of you! xoxo
I spoke with an American today who said that the American reaction is much more fearful than it is here. It seems to me from the reports I've read that Kim Jong-il is more interested in proving his capability of defense if attacked than planning an attack himself. For years he has been wary of superpowers upsetting his regime, and with his country in such a downtrodden and weakened state, it wouldn't be hard. Although the North Korean army is the 5th largest worldwide (behind China, the US, Russia and India), it is poor, hungry and outfitted with old soviet tanks and artillery. Their nuclear power is the only factor that even lets them consider playing with the big boys.
Plus, all reports state that North Korea's weapons are pointed at Seoul ... hopefully that would give us Southerners enough warning to get on a ferry to Japan or a plane home before the real fighting broke out.
In general though, life is going on as usual here. I haven't heard any discussion of the threat, there are no bomb drills at school, and we don't have any disaster plans that I know of. So for now, we're all okay. I am, however, beginning to see myself as a bad luck charm. I moved back East just in time to experience 9/11 ... although I did miss the giant NYC blackout and the rolling blackouts in CA.
I've got to run to work, but I SWEAR I'll catch this up soon :)
safe tidings to all of you! xoxo
posted by pixelpulp at 12:10 AM
3 Comments:
Just make sure you head south at the first sign of trouble. The last thing Wieners and I want to do is have to fly to Korea to rescue you from Pyonyang.
I appreciate your update on this issue. Like your mom said, Keep enjoying your experience. I'll keep an eye on your blog & keep up good thoughts & prayers on your behalf. Have fun.
Love,Uncle Mike
The local view from Texas is one of irritation rather than fear. We don't need a foreigner stirring up the pot when we already have enough junk going on. I am working on learning more about Korea so I can better understand what you are seeing and doing. We all love you and miss you. Keep on doing.
Love PaPa
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