By SHELTON BUMGARNER
Marmot’s Hole Guest Blogger
The nation of Korea, torn asunder by the combined forces of WWII and the Cold War, continued to drift towards a potentially less war-like future this week. The week was filled with reports of peacemakers, peaceful programs and rumors of peace. Not to mention a friendly game of soccer between two countries on the cusp of destroying each other for the last 50-odd years.
With the six-party talks in “recess” for three weeks, there was talk that the DPRK might finally be interested in burying the hatchet somewhere other than in the back of South Korea’s government.
Then, of course, the United States and the ROK did this:
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea’s military said on Saturday war games by South Korea and United States were a prelude to a U.S. military attack and a tactic to compel it to accept U.S. terms in six-party talks on its nuclear programme.
[...]
But South Korean officials say the exercises are largely computer-simulated drills to test U.S. and South Korean readiness for military emergencies on the Korean peninsula. They begin later this month and will not involve any mobilisation of forces.
Meanwhile, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said there were “differences” between the United States and the ROK regarding the DPRK’s “natural” right to a “peaceful” nuclear energy program, which made the United States State Department uncomfortable.
Both sides quickly tried to spin the controversial statement out of existence. Uncle Sam seemed more interested in the endeavor than the ROK did, however.
“There is no rift between the U.S. and South Korea,???? State Department spokesman Adam Ereli told reporters at a briefing in Washington Thursday. “We are close partners in a broad bilateral relationship and particularly in our common approach to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.????
[...]
Ban Ki-moon, South Korea??s minister of foreign affairs and trade, also sought to smooth over the situation. “There are neither differences of opinion nor conflicts between South Korea and the U.S. regarding North Korea??s right to peaceful nuclear programs,???? Ban said after holding a closed-door meeting with Chinese counterpart Li Jiaoxing in Beijing. “I plan to hold an in-depth discussion on this matter with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other senior officials in the U.S.????
[...]
The foreign minister, however, did not offer any explanation for Chung remarks, which appeared to be in direct conflict with Washington??s position that North Korea must scrap all nuclear development _ civilian and weapons.
With the 55th anniversary of General Douglas MacArthur’s Incheon landing just over a month away, the statue of the man who nearly single handedly saved modern free Korea is in jeopardy. Some young leftist whippersnappers — who could otherwise be spending their free time doing something productive, like competing in Sexy Dance Contests — oppose the presence of the statue at Incheon’s Freedom Park.
A complaint filed with the quasi-governmental National Human Rights Commission, which is reviewing the statue controversy, condemns MacArthur as “a war criminal who massacred numerous civilians.” The complaint adds, “To induce or force children to respect such a person by erecting a statue of him and teaching them that he is a great figure is a national disgrace and greatly injures the dignity of our people.”
The week ended with the two Koreas putting aside their differences as they prepared for the 60th anniversary of their independence from Japan — and playing soccer.
The North??s delegation includes 65 male and female football players to take part in the Aug. 15 South-North Unification Football Games. The men??s team will play against the South Korean national team on Sunday at Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul, while the women??s match is scheduled for Tuesday.
23 Comments
Dude, seriously check this out:
http://kcna.co.jp/item/2005/200508/news08/13.htm#1
Does this mean they’re going to shut down some gulags? It doesn’t give many details, but it certainly seems like they are going to change some stuff up.
“continued to drift towards a potentially less war-like future this week. ”
This must be either a joke or a sarcasm.
Hmmm…I dunno. In this specific week there was a drift towards easing of tensions. I felt there were enough hopeful signs here and there to note it that way.
And despite the fact that the DPRK and the United States continue to have serious problems, the DPRK and the ROK are at least flirting with the each other. I get the sense that — at least during this week — that such a sentence isn’t too horribly inacurate.
Although I’ve officially been here long enough that I honestly have no idea what is going to happen next. It could go either way — peace or war.
Things are moving too fast.
1) I hope the NK delegation behave. If they use this as a chance to promote NK by praising Kim IlSung or Kim Jongil, they will face stiff opposition from the SK people.
2) It is awkward not to wave Taegug flag during the soccer game or near NK delegation. Some people will do this whether pro-NK factions in the government like it or not. Some may go even further; they may burn NK flags.
3) NK’s visiting the national cemetary could easily backfire. After all, why are those graves there? Because Kim IlSung started an unnecessary war! Somebody will point this out when NK delegation makes any comments to the contrary. The NK delegation could face a rude awakening.
I hope things go well for two countries. But, they have squeezed in too many things into this weekend. They should have planned it in more leisurely pace.
Mr. Baduk, a little reality check might be good for the norks, but then again I’m sure the leadership is well aware of how vastly better off the South is.
Mr. Bumgarner, I’d like to share your optimism, but the only recent upbeat thing I’ve seen is the resumption of inter-Korean military meetings on a hotline (which I gather is now operating) and taking down the rest of the propaganda crap on the DMZ. All the norks have to offer is negative, i.e., we WON’T decimate Seoul with artillery, WON’T shoot missiles at Japan, etc. And they haven’t even offered that up.
Off-topic somewhat, but this is a good story GI Korea posted about: http://www.estripes.com/articl.....icle=30902
Of course, no Korean media will mention this, because they go to great lengths to demonize the US troops and this kind of story would undermine all the “crimes by US soldiers (i.e. parking tickets) are rising” propoganda they crank out every year.
More news of the week: in one of the biggest hedge fund frauds of all time, three Koreans take $200m from Florida retirees and skip town Link to NYT article
And more links from google.
Libertine, those guys are Americans, not Korean nationals, and all the story shows is that white guys aren’t the only ones who commit fraud. What’s your point?
Yes! That story kicks ass. You know those slick bastards are probably cruising ????????? in a Ferrari as we speak and just living the good life in general. The idiots who invested in such a blatant scam deserve to get shafted anyway.
Sure KrZ, if you ever get suckered out of your life savings we’ll show you the same sympathy.
The interesting question is whether S Korean authorities will be helpful in assisting the victims and US law enforcement in tracking down the two knuckleheads who fled to South Korea and sequestering their assets here. I’m not holding my breath.
If none of that scared off potential investors, the pyramid logo on documents promoting a KL product called the ”Triangulum” fund should have raised eyebrows.
If I ever invest in anything called the “Triangulum” please show your sympathy by euthanizing me.
OK.
Maybe they said the triangulum was a popular well-being product in Korea.
So why did Libertine mention the story anyway? To show that Koreans too can be “cunning” in white collar crime? Fighting!
Its always money from Florida retirees, isn’t it? The article on the amnesty is interesting
I’m sure the knuckleheads will eventually be extradited. But they will already have hidden their assets by “giving” the stolen funds to “innocent” relatives. Korea allows people to receive absurdly-large gifts from relatives who are fugitives from justice, with no duty to inquire as to the source of funds. “$20 million? All from your hot-dog stand? Thanks, nephew!” Once the money is in their hands, it’s safe from creditors.
Another thing complicating matters is that “Yung Kim”, “Jung Kim”, and “Won S. Lee” aren’t real names (although in the latter case, the guy’s full name is known) — nobody can trace a person with that name.
Brendon, I’d guess that you are being facetious when you use a figure like $20 million ?? or are you? What restrictions, if any, are imposed by the Korean government, and at what monetary level is this done?
BTW, foreigner, these individuals are Korean-born naturalized American citizens, which means that they can also hold Korean citizenship. Brendon, does that speed up or slow down the extradition process?
Somewhat off-topic or on topic or whatever (from the Chosun): Uri Party standing committee member Chang Young-dal said, “We don’t necessarily have to mourn Kim Il-sung, but it’s natural to pay respects at a symbolic place in North Korea.??
The Democratic Labor Party said the North Korean visit was a ??turning point?? in relations and Seoul should look into sending a delegation to mourn the passing of Kim Il-sung. The Millennium Democratic Party agreed it was a turning point but said the question of paying respect to Kim Il-sung was a separate issue.
It’s amazing how far some of these people can bend over.
Foreigner wrote:Off-topic somewhat, but this is a good story GI Korea posted about: http://www.estripes.com/articl.....icle=30902
Of course, no Korean media will mention this, because they go to great lengths to demonize the US troops and this kind of story would undermine all the ??crimes by US soldiers (i.e. parking tickets) are rising?? propoganda they crank out every year.
I don’t think it showed up in the Korean-language press. The only thing I found was a press release from the USFK PAO, which would probably explain why it didn’t end up in the press. The Korean press and the PAO have been hostile at times, and both sides are to blame (and it’s not for the reasons you’re probably thinking, but I can’t elaborate). If this is USFK’s only attempt to get it out, it’s not likely going to get into the Korean press. Once it’s in the Stars Stripes, it’s no longer in the news cycle, so it’s dead.
“The Korean press and the PAO have been hostile at times, and both sides are to blame (and it’s not for the reasons you’re probably thinking, but I can’t elaborate).” Kushibo, international man of mystery
Actually, I really can’t, but you, Mr. Marmot and I are in somewhat the same profession, only in different capacities….
The USFK press office can be very difficult to deal with, I know, but I can’t elaborate
As for the “more than $200 million of investors’ money has vanished, possibly making this one of the largest hedge fund frauds ever” - these sorts of accounts of Korean crimes in N.A. (this being just the latest) have a real affect on those of us involved in international businesses based in Korea. For the conglomerates I’m sure it’s of no consequence, but for SMEs throughout Korea who depend on contracts with the West (NA, EU) to stay in business, the perception of Koreans as unethical in business is hurting many small companies.
Foreigner asked why I posted the hedge fund story - I think it’s quite clear. It’s a HUGE story in the financial world which hasn’t been picked up on the blogs and in the Korean press at all, from what I can see. As Marmot’s blog deals with “Korean issues”, I posted it here. Simple as that.
Usually whenever there’s a big story involving Koreans or gyopos abroad, it’s a huge story in the local press. Yet for inexplicable reasons, I can’t find any mention of this story in the English-language or Korean-language press.
Indeed, the persons involved were all Korean-American. Yet this fact doesn’t prevent the local press from implicitly claiming Michelle Wie as their own. Or for interpreting Robert Kim’s acts of treason as unwavering patriotism to his True Country. Why would these hedge fund guys be seen as anything different? Foreigner you seem to believe this story doesn’t belong here… why?
The idiots who invested in such a blatant scam deserve to get shafted anyway.
Doesn’t sound very blatant to me. It’s not like these guys went door to door selling snake oil. They were smart enough to know how to lie, what to lie about, and who to associate with There’s no way investors could have known this guy was trying to game earnings expectations by shorting ahead of quarterly announcements. Theoretically, the same thing could happen to anyone with any money in a hedge fund - which by this point is probably 1/10 of every American citizen (check your 401K!). Hopefully this case will get the SEC to step up hedge fund accountability.
Hey Libertine, Gbnhj had a good take on it, that these crooks might have dual citizenship, and one of them might have headed back to the mothership, so I see where you’re coming from. I did think of Wie (is she still 15 years old?) and how Koreans (in Korea) sometimes can’t or don’t differentiate between American and Korean because they can’t seem to seperate ethnicity from citizenship. But really, do you expect the media in Korea to report about these slicksters? They’re very picky about what they report on, and overseas crime by Koreans gets a little play here, but not much.
When I was a kid my parents were scammed by a stock broker along with a lot of other people, all just working class or middle class, and took a big financial hit that took years to overcome. White collar crime is not “victimless” and no one deserves it.