• Off-Base Issues: Prostitution and A-Town - Wolf Pack to combat prostitution -- an object lesson in futility -- and on-base rapes increase; A-town Off-limits -- the makings of a scandal (Updated: January 2004)
  

• Military Affairs (2003) -- USS Carl Vinson arrives in Pusan; Elmendorf F-15s at Osan; Marine FA-18s arrive at Kunsan in May; Low-key buildup; End of May return to normal. (Updated: 3 June 2003)
• Military Affairs (2004) -- Seoul Courts Rule Against USFK Land Use; Vehicle Registration Policy Change; Crime Reports on USFK Soldiers; Continuing ROK-US Prosecutions; Bonus to Soldiers for Extension (Updated: 14 January 2004)
  
  
• Relocation of USFK Bases (2003) -- In March USF announces it will relocate off the DMZ and south of the Han River; Renegotiations of Restructuring of 50-year old alliance; U.S. to invest $11 billion in Korea defense; Korea forced to increase its Defense spending; Enmeshed and entangled, the ROK drags its feet and attempts to shift the financial burden to the USFK; U.S. playing hardball and negotiations hit major snag in September 2003. 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: 31 Dec 2003)
  
  
  • Stryler/LAVIII: Our Opinion -- Details on the Stryker SBCT (3d Bde 2d ID) that will be replacing the 2d ID on the DMZ as part of a global repositioning strategy. Included are short sections on current USFK weapons systems that may augment the Stryker units in Korea after all the smoke has cleared. Stryker headed to Iraq in mid-October; US wants future forces to have a "regional" role; Stryker unit in Iraq in 2003 and blooded in Jan 2004. Stryker with its jerry-rigged LPG protection screens undergo the acid test of combat. Strykers success in Iraq for urban warfare role, but still questions about use in mountainous terrain unanswered. Decision to return the Interim Brigade Combat Team to Korea appears to be still up in the air as of 2004. (Updated: Jan 2004)
  
  
  
• Relocation of USFK Bases (2004) -- 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: Weekly)
  
  
  • Proposed ROK FY2005 Military Budget -- Is It the Last Straw??? (OPINION) -- ROK Promised Defense Spending increase of 3.2 percent of GDP in 2004, but delivered a 2.8 percent of GDP. ROK Spending has now passed 1997 levels. The US position is that the ROK has the ability to increase its defense spending, but the ROK has not shown the will to do so. ROK "self-reliant" defense is delusional, but the ROK is maintaining the "free-ride" using the US High-tech warfare umbrella. Cursory look at why the ROK "Self-reliant" Defense is delusional. Though stated as reasons for Budget increase, the truth is that the E-X program will be sent out for bids in Nov 2004 and the SAM-X (Patriot) will NEVER be procured as long as President Roh is in office. The ROK is developing weapons programs that offer technology transfer or benefit industrial growth -- not necessarily what is essential to the defense programs. The ROK continues to be a thorn with its refusal to fund the Yongsan move and disputes over land use with the end result possibly being an explosion that destroys the US-ROK Alliance. (Posted: June 2004)
    
  • Dangerous Game the ROK is Playing (OPINION) -- Indepth look at the US Perspective on the evolving US-ROK alliance. Look into the r reasons for the ROK "Stall-and-Conquer" Negotiation strategy. Look at the growing American anti-Korean opinion; USFK and Department of Defense strategy; Head-on collision resulting in reduction in forces and pull-out of troops (Posted: June 2004)
    
    
• Korea Continues to March to Its Own Drummer -- Korea upgrades its military and seeks technology transfer. However, Korea aims to control its own destiny. Korea now has OFFENSIVE missile capability. Its indigenous-designed fighter-trainer is ready for production and the KDX-II "stealth" destroyer has been launched. German-designed submarines are rolling out of shipyards and KM1A1 Korean Main Battle Tank is being produced in Korea. The next-generation fighter has been selected as the F-15K. Whether unrealistic or not, President Roh is seeking "self-reliance" for South Korea's defense by 2010. (Updated: 4 Sept 2003)
  
  
• Military Affairst: North Korean Crisis: -- Equipment changes; Korea-wide Exercises; Force Positioning; Policy changes; North-South military dialogue. (Updated: Monthly)
  
  
  • Food for Thought: The Military Option in North Korea: -- Short comparison of a views on military parity: Korean versus U.S. view. (Posted: 26 April 2003)
    
  • Food for Thought: The Mythical North Korean Threat: -- An article building a case for U.S. withdrawal from Korea. (Posted: 20 June 2003)
  
  
  
• Spies, Espionage & Infiltrators: -- Personal Opinion on the Spy Situation in Kunsan. Covers the spy organizations and the abuses by Presidents from Syngman Rhee to Roh Moo-hyun. Covers cases of captured infiltrators and deep-cover spies discovered in recent years to back up conclusions. (Sources footnoted) Covers history of communism in Cholla Provinces; list of coastal infiltration with methods of infiltration and vehicles used. (Posted: 24 May 2004)
  

• Reviews of Books on Kunsan AB (Updated: 3 June 2003)
  
• Reference Sources/Links: -- Links to Pro-USFK/Anti-US sites and online Korean newspaper links. General, Military and USFK links. (Updated: 8 August 2003)

• Background
  
  • Subtopics -- Pro-American Demonstrations or really Anti-Sunshine Policy Demonstration? -- Anti-American Protests Waning? NO!!! -- Split in NGO Group Strategies and Shift to Pacifism -- America Responds -- Backlash of Anti-American Demonstrations -- Anti-American and the Generation Gap -- NGO Tactic to Boycott American Goods Backfires -- NGO-Initiated Polls Increasing and USFK Poll in response -- Roh wants to revise SOFA, but U.S. and MOJ Sees No Need -- Danger of Getting What they Want -- Considering the Improbable: What if the U.S. Leaves? -- OUR OPINION (Updated: 3 June 2003)
• Jan-Mar 2003
  
  • Iraq War & Korean Perspective of Iraq War (Mar-Apr 2003) -- Iraq and Korea DAILY events with emphasis on anti-War -- but in reality a continuation of the anti-American protests of 2002. President Roh tells nation that he is forced to send non-combatant troops to Iraq in order to protect the nation -- i.e., U.S. blackmailed him. Roh then rewrites the text of his speech for English publications. Coverage is a day-by-day chronology of events in Baghdad and Seoul. (Updated: 16 April 2003)
    
• Apr-Jun 2003
  
• Jul-Sep 2003
  
• Oct-Dec 2003
  
• Jan-Mar 2004
  
• Apr-Jun 2004
  

• North Korean Crisis Background and Reference Materials -- Background on events leading up to Nuclear Crisis; Materials from Selected Sources on Nuclear Crisis; OUR OPINION (Updated: 8 August 2003)
• For Your Information: North Korea-US Meeting: -- Special Report on Upcoming North Korea-China-US meeting and U.S./North Korean options with our comments. (Posted: 8 August 2003)

• Reformist Policy:
• Lack of Coordination within Government:
• Alienates Career Bureaucrats:
• Continuing Education Problems over NEIS:
• Attacks on the "Gangster" Press:
• Environmental Policy and Saemangeum Project:
• Nuclear Waste Dump Protest:
• Farmers Problems, Opening of the Rice Market and Surplus Rice:
• Chaebol and Business Reforms:
• Korea Under Attack for Dumping and Govt Subsidies:
• Korean Outlook Dims as Companies Leave Korea:
• Privatization Plans Put on a Hold:
• Financial Reform Turns into a Quagmire:
• Conciliatory Position to Union Strikes:
• 40-hour Work Week:
• Political Scandals:
• Political Harassment from GNP:
• Split-up of MDP:
• Autonomy: An Old Answer to New Problems -- Pass the Buck!:
• NIS and National Security Law:
• Exiled North Korean supporter, Song Du-yul, Returns:
• Peace and Prosperity Policy:
• Trusted U.S. Supporter during Iraq War?:
• NGO groups anti-Americanism and Opposition demonstrations:
• Roh Questions Removal of USFK:
• ROK-US Summit (May 14) Impacts:
• Can a Leopard Change its Spots?:
• Resurgence of Anti-Americanism:
• Resurgence of Anti-Japanese Protests:
• Radical Students Protest Roh:
• Roh's Falling Popularity starts in Third Month in Office:
• End of 2003: Roh's Leadership Vacuum:
• Roh Impeached: March 2004

Korean Protests:

OCTOBER 2003:

Anti-Troop Dispatch Protest On 1 Oct a peaceful demonstration in Seoul was reminiscent of the 1960s Peace Movement -- and even sporting signs "Make Love - Not War" were everywhere. The rally was estimated at around 3,000 people. Though peaceful, there were definite anti-American allusions especially showing Roh as a "whore" of the U.S. At that time, Roh had at first linked the troop deployment to the North Korean crisis stating that the troops would be dispatched AFTER the crisis was resolved. Then after intense pressure, he switched his stand to plain ambivalence stating he would make his decision "soon." On the other hand, business leaders were urging him to dispatch the troops for the sake of national interests.

SOFA and Anti-War Protests (12 Aug 03)

Puan School Strike Ends On 3 October the residents of Puan announced that they would end the strike to keep their children out of school over the proposed nuclear site. The students were pulled out of the schools in August. Under Korean law, if the student misses more than 120 days, he must repeat the year. Thus the parents put them back in school under the deadline. President Roh hinted that the nuclear site location would be reconsidered, but did not make a commitment.

Anti-War Protests against Troop Dispatch As many as 351 non-governmental organizations held rallies across the country on 11 Oct to oppose the proposed dispatch of South Korean combat troops to help restore order in Iraq. About 4,000 members of the "People's Action Against the Iraq Dispatch" held a march in central Seoul against the American-led occupation of the Iraq and the U.S. request to send combat troops. Surprisingly, there was little or no coverage on these marches in the major newspapers because Roh's surprise call for a referendum on his policies and leadership on 10 Oct crowded out the headlines.

The Roh administration continued to vacillate on a decision on the troop dispatch. At first wanted to link the decision to the North Korean crisis, but then backed off this stance. Though the decision was not linked to the ROK-US Alliance meeting, the meeting was a disaster with neither side issuing a communique of results -- and some analysts state the troop dispatch (as a symbolic support as an ally) may have been a factor in the breakdown besides the non-agreement over money issues and the MOU renegotiation. In addition, though the ROK sent a survey team to the area to see if it was "peaceful", another team will be sent to survey the area. It is apparent to the world that the ROK either wants to stationed in Disneyland with all expenses paid -- or more realistically, is simply dragging the decision out in hopes of formenting more unrest and in the end being released from the "request."

Anti-War No Troop Dispatch Protests (11 Oct 03)

Activists Rally for End to KBS Fees In 11 Oct the Chosun Ilbo reported that members of 40 civic groups demonstrated in Youido to attempt to abolish the mandatory monthly fees households pay for the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS). Activists said that KBS had broadcast a program that falsely embellished exile Song as a democratic leader -- when in fact he was the 23rd ranking member of the North Korea Politburo. The controversial program that featured Song, "Talking About Korea - Political Exiles Return," was broadcast without a proper preliminary review, which is a mandatory procedure for all programs made, insiders said recently. The program was an inappropriate action for a nationalized broadcasting company. German human rights activist Norbert Vollertsen said, KBS should not stand for the "Korean Broadcasting Service," but for the "Kim Jong Il Broadcasting Service."

Pro-US / Anti-Song Du-yul / Send Troops to Iraq Rally (Oct 14) About 10,000 Koreans marched through Seoul to support the dispatch of troops to Iraq and the deportation of Song Du-yul, a Korean-German sociologist whom they called a spy. The demonstrators called on the South Korean government to send troops to help the United States and to participate in projects for rebuilding Iraq . Members of the Veterans Association rallied in the afternoon of 14 Oct at the War Memorial Museum in Yongsan, Seoul, to support sending troops to Iraq and to denounce Song Du-yul.

Left: Veteran Groups outside Yongsan Right: March through Seoul

By Choe Song-won and Joseph Giordono , Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Friday, October 17, 2003

SEOUL — Thousands of veterans and war widows marched through downtown Seoul on Wednesday, urging South Korea’s government to answer the U.S. call for international combat troops in Iraq.

But while the banner-toting, flag-waving throng expressed no doubt South Korea should answer the request, public opinion polls show the demonstrators still are in the minority. And with President Roh Moo-hyun staking his presidency on a December referendum on voters’ confidence in his performance, analysts say a decision before year’s end is unlikely. Those arguments made little sense though to the almost 5,000 veterans from 115 groups who gathered at the national War Memorial next to Yongsan Garrison before marching to Seoul’s main train station.

“Not just because we got some help from the United States before, but we should give those Iraq people freedom and peace,” said Jang Soo-keun, the 60- year-old spokesman for the Korea Freedom League. “We may build solid peace in the Middle East, and further we can play a role for the world peace.”

Kim Nak-woon, 57, a member of Veterans Association’s Incheon branch, was holding a loudspeaker to regulate the crowd.

“This country is kind of chaotic now,” he said. “When this country has [a] hard time deciding what to do, I think we veterans should lead people to the right direction. … Troop dispatch to Iraq will boost the alliance of South Korea and the United States, and that will also help our slow economy revive.”

Hyun Dong-yun, a 47-year-old member of the Pyongtaek Veterans Association, had a different opinion on the troop dispatch.

“I joined this rally, as I had to,” he said, explaining that his veterans group pressured its members to travel to the rally.

“But personally, I don’t know what to say. When I think of this country’s national interests, maybe we should dispatch our troops, but on my second thought, it’s another country’s affairs. Probably, it’s not right to interfere.”

Yu Young-sook, 74, was part of a group of Korean war widows.

“I lost my husband during the Korean War. We should help America when it’s in need, because they helped us,” Yu said.

“I love America,” she shouted. “I wouldn’t have survived the Korean War without America.”

The president of the Veterans Association, Lee Sang-hun, delivered an even more heated endorsement in his address to the crowd.

“If this country can’t send our servicemembers on active duty, we veterans should get there to work,” he said.

Roh will bring up the issue during a meeting with President Bush on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference next week in Bangkok.

But a senior presidential adviser on foreign affairs was quoted by many South Korean media outlets as saying Roh will not make any commitment at that time.

NGO activist group Ends Nine-years of SOFA Protest On 23 Oct, Yonhap News reported that an anti-U.S. group said it would hold its final "Friday rally" after almost 10 years of protests. Lee So-hi, secretary-general of the Citizens Movement Center for Eradication of Crimes by U.S. GIs in Korea, said, "(the 24 Oct) rally will be the last because we want to focus more efforts on giving legal help to victims of crimes committed by U.S. soldiers and research activities for the revision of Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)." The rallies had been taking place every Friday at midday in front of the Yongsan garrison in downtown Seoul to protest crimes involving U.S. soldiers stationed in South Korea and to call for an immediate revision of the SOFA.

The National Campaign for Eradication of Crime by U.S. Troops in Korea staged its first rally on Dec. 28, 1994, in front of the Yongsan garrison of the U.S. Forces in Korea. The protests began after an incident in which U.S. military police allegedly used force in detaining several women suspected of black-marketing. Since then, the rallies at Yongsan have been held every Friday to protest what demonstrators said were numerous crimes by the USFK. They demanded revisions to the Status of Forces Agreement, the rules governing U.S. troops here.

The primary reason though was that participants at the rallies have decreased in number over the years. Over the years, demonstrators have protested incidents such as the unconnected murders of two bar girls and the deaths of two teenage girls in a training accident involving U.S. forces last year.

Demonstration For and Against Sending Troops to Iraq Continues Roh Moo Hyun was agonizing publicly over a difficult decision he had to make over whether to commit a 5,000-strong South Korean brigade to Iraq or not. First, he has reportedly linked any South Korean troop dispatch to a delay in the previously agreed redeployment in 2006 of the 2nd Infantry division now in harm's way north of Seoul while steadfastly maintaining that South Korea needs to become self-sufficient militarily. That didn't work and then he tied it to the six-way talks with North Korea. Roh feared that dispatching troops to Iraq could jeopardize North-South reconciliation and South Korea's quest to be a regional hub as well as paralyze the Six Party talks by giving the North an excuse to pull out. That didn't fly as well. Then he tied it to a UN mandate.

After Bush went to the UN and got the mandate -- half-hearted as it was -- Roh was forced to bow to increasing pressure from the business and international community. The dispatch of more troops to Iraq was expected to provide South Korea with economic benefits totaling US$10.2 billion by 2008. The Federation of Korean Industries, a major lobbying arm for large conglomerates, said in a report that the troop dispatch would pave the way for local firms to participate in reconstruction projects in post-war Iraq. Editorials stated that if Korea didn't she would be shunned by the U.S. as an ally regardless of which party was in power. In the international arena, nations promised economic aid to rebuild Iraq (except France, Germany and Russia). Militarily even small nations like Fiji was contributing a battalion of troops. The stalling was turning into an embarrassment for Korea.

President Roh decided to send troops to Iraq. His decision prompted a strong protest from NGO activist groups. A student radical group named Pomchonghakryon on 19 Oct held a press conference in Myongdong, downtown Seoul declaring the start of their movement against the troop dispatch. The students said they would hold photo exhibitions, speeches and other events to oppose the troop dispatch until Nov. 1, when a massive student rally is scheduled to be held. ``The dispatch of combat troops to Iraq is an act which cannot be justified as it will intervene in an unjustified war and increase the possibility of war on the Korean peninsula,’’ the group said in a statement.

The newspapers reported that the ROK would send between 2,500-3,000 troops, but the ROK has yet to decide on the nature, timing and size of the force to be sent. The government decision, which is subject to parliamentary approval, triggered protests from South Koreans who are evenly divided on support for the US-led war. On 28 Oct the Ministry of Defense Tuesday refuted a high-level official's comments that South Korea had decided to send a smaller number of additional troops to Iraq than expected. Defense Minister Cho Young-kil said internal negotiations have not even reached the stage where numbers are being discussed.

On the pro-side, widows and veteran groups held small rallies in support of sending the troops to Iraq. According to the Stars and Stripes on 17 Oct: "Thousands of veterans and war widows marched through downtown Seoul on Wednesday, urging South Korea's government to answer the U.S. call for international combat troops in Iraq. But while the banner-toting, flag-waving throng expressed no doubt South Korea should answer the request, public opinion polls show the demonstrators still are in the minority." (See above section for article)

Starting on 19 Oct liberal student organizations such as Hangchongnyon took turns staging demonstrations near Chong Wa Dae voicing their protest to the sending of soldiers to the Middle Eastern nation. Anti-war groups have vowed to campaign against President Roh Moo-Hyun, who has proposed holding a national vote of confidence in his leadership in mid-December.

Meanwhile, citizens opposing the troop dispatch took part in a candlelight vigil held in the evening of 20 Oct at Kwanghwamun, central Seoul. Organizers of the vigil said they will gather in the area every evening from 7 p.m. to express their opposition in sending Korean troops to Iraq.

On 24 Oct, the National Police Agency said that street rallies are expected in Seoul's Daehangno area at 1 p.m. 25 Oct to protest the government's decision to send more troops to Iraq. The police anticipated 5,000 persons participating in the marches. Police said they would deploy 400 traffic policemen to the area. Agence France-Presse reported on 26 Oct that ROK police said that 15 student activists had been detained for staging an illegal protest. Police said the students erected a tent on the night of 25 Oct for an anti-US protest on the sidewalk near the US embassy. The students were among 2,000 anti-war activists who marched in downtown Seoul Saturday to protest against the decision to accept the US request.


Top left: Candlelight Vigil; Top right: Unification supporters
Bottom left and right: 25 Oct March (Tong-il News)


Anti-Troop Movement: 25 Oct 03 March (Anti-migun)

---

NOVEMBER 2003:

Autumn in Korea

Anti-Troop to Iraq Protest on the sending of troops to Iraq. President Roh states limited to under 3,000 and deployment at present not the correct time. ROK will not send more than 3,000 troops to Iraq, despite US's request for a larger deployment, President Roh Moo-hyun's office said on Nov 13. Roh instructed his government to send fewer than 3,000 troops to Iraq when he met Cabinet ministers on November 11, presidential spokesman Yoon Tae-young said at a news briefing on November 13. The ROK still had not made up its mind whether it would be combat troops or non-combatant troops -- which flies in the face of the U.S. request for self-supporting combat troops. The U.S. and ROK could not come to any agreement on the troop deployment supposedly to be to Mosul in the North away from the major terrorist areas in Tikrit and north of Baghdad. International press coverage of combat losses by Americans fueling the protests.

Anti-Troop Movement: 11 Nov 03

On 15 Nov there were nationwide protests on the anti-Troop movement. Thousands of civic activists and others took to the streets of Seoul on 15 Nov to protest against sending additional troops to war-ravaged Iraq, urging the government to withdraw the decision. "Should the government send troops to Iraq, we will designate the Roh Moo-hyun administration as one that badly wants to participate in war," said some 351 civic groups in a joint statement. At Kunsan, the gates were closed for a demonstration by 150 protestors.

On 15 Nov, the chairmen of the South Korean and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff met in Seoul Saturday to discuss post-war Iraq and other pending military issues. South Korea's Kim Jong-hwan and his U.S. counterpart Richard B. Myers also reviewed a range of issues to be covered at next Monday's defense ministerial talks between the two countries. The reports indicated there was still major issues that were unresolved at the end of the meeting. Prime Minister Goh Kun said Friday that any redeployment of U.S. forces in Korea should be made in parallel with the progress in the North Korean nuclear issue at six-way talks.

Anti-Troop Movement: 15 Nov 03

SCM Protests Donald Rumsfeld arrived on 17 Nov with great pomp and ceremony only to be greeted outside with signs calling him a "warmonger." The SCM seems fated for a deadlock. Amid boisterous anti-war protests, the defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States began talks on 17 Nov which officials said were expected to focus on Seoul's troop dispatch to Iraq and Washington's plan to realign its military bases in the South. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld flew to Seoul on 16 Nov for annual security consultations with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Young-kil. He was to visit President Roh Moo-hyun and U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea before leaving on 18 Nov.

Officials said following the 17 Nov SCM meeting that they had hoped for a conclusive settlement of the issue of dispatching additional troops to Iraq and matters surrounding the redeployment of U.S. troops in South Korea. The latter has hit a snag over the size and makeup of the main U.S. garrison that will be left in Yongsan, Seoul. The United States wants to maintain a sizeable presence, while Seoul is desirous of a downsized base. The two allies agreed to move ahead with additional negotiations until the end of this year for the relocation issue, the planned relocation of Yongsan compound by the end of 2006 is unlikely to be achieved, observers said.

According to the Chosun Ilbo on 18 Nov,

"On the issue of relocating Yongsan Garrison, the two parties failed to iron out differences over how much land the U.S. Army should return to Korea, and the narrower issue of moving the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command out of Seoul.

The two defense chiefs reaffirmed an earlier agreement between the two countries that the U.S, forces would be relocated in two regions south of the Han River through a two-phase relocation plans. They said the first-phase relocation would be carried out as early as possible, and for the second-phase plan, the chief executives of the two nations will have to decide later how to move forward. Commenting on the possibility of Washington's reducing its forces in Korea, Minister Cho said the two delegations did not discuss the issue, adding that it is premature for the two nations to begin talking about a troop cut.

Cho, however, said the United States has agreed to turn over eight of its 10 specific missions that its forces in Korea have been conducting over to the Korean army, according to the relocation plan. The remaining two missions are to be transferred to Korea in phases, in consideration of the Korean army's capability."

Rumsfeld "thanked" South Korea for deciding to send additional troops to Iraq and assured Seoul officials that Washington's plan to realign its military units here would not weaken South Korea's defense capability. He stated, "I thank President Roh Moo-hyun for his decision to provide reconstruction costs of $260 million by 2007 and for dispatching additional troops to Iraq. In order to ensure the smooth and timely dispatch, we will closely cooperate with Korea in sharing information and munitions plans.” (NOTE: This is a back-handed slap as Japan has offered 5 billion in reconstruction aid and has already committed to sending SDF combat troops -- though it is reconsidering its decision in the face of current attacks.) In addition, Secretary Rumsfeld said in a joint press interview with the Korean Minister of Defense Cho Young-gil in response to a question raised as to whether they are accepting the 3,000-troop plan, “The issue of dispatch depends on the country’s determination as an independent country, and I think there cannot be much difference in our opinions in dealing with a critical issue,” and thus avoided a clear response with diplomatic jargonese.

After weeks of divisive debate, South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun ordered the government to limit the size of more troops to Iraq to 3,000 -- and possibly to non-combatants. This is a very sticky point with the U.S. who needs combat troops who can take care of themselves to release its forces from the more secure areas of the country. Rumfield restated that the U.S. will not pull out U.S. military units from South Korea for operations in Iraq. The U.S. Department of Defense believes it is practically impossible to withdraw its troops from South Korea under the current security conditions, Radio Free Asia reported. In a recent intelligence report submitted to Congress, the Pentagon said a pullout of U.S. troops from South Korea would destabilize Northeast Asia.

On the issue of a troop dispatch to Iraq, the Korean delegation explained to its U.S. counterpart in the meeting that the Korean government has been considering two options: either sending about 3,000 non-combat soldiers, including engineers and medics, or sending about the same number of combat troops for peacekeeping missions.

However, there definitely is a strain in relations between the ROK and the US. On 11 Nov, Rumsfeld stated that South Korea should judge itself the details of its troop deployment to Iraq, including the type and number of troops. "We want Korea to do whatever it believes is right ... That is exactly what we would like. We do not want countries to do things they don't want to do." Rumsfeld repeated this statement at the end of the SCM. Though the U.S. wishes for a larger troop commitment of combat troops, it will live with whatever the ROK sends, but continued delays to NOT send troops will be viewed dimly after the promise received during the SCM.

The Associated Press (Robert Burns, "Rumsfeld Assures South Korea on Security," Seoul, 11/17/03) reported that US Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld assured longtime ally South Korea on 17 Nov that a planned pullback of US troops from the border area with the DPRK will strengthen the ability of the American military to respond to an invasion from the DPRK. Some in the ROK have worried that ending the US forces' role as a "tripwire" along the Demilitarized Zone might lessen the American commitment to defending against a DPRK attack. The Pentagon has portrayed the move as better positioning US troops to counterattack. "We understand that weakness can be provocative," Rumsfeld told a joint news conference with his ROK counterpart, Cho Young-kil, after a series of meetings at the Ministry of Defense. The 50-year-old US-ROK defense alliance has been successful, he said, because "we have had the ability to deter and defend and, if necessary, prevail. And that has been well understood. I can assure you it will be well understood in the years ahead and, needless to say, neither of our governments would do anything that would in any way weaken the deterrent and the capability to defend." The question of an eventual US withdrawal of troops from the ROK was not discussed, US officials said, although it is apparent that troop reductions are a likely consequence of the planned consolidation of US bases and the introduction of more efficiencies in the US military. Gen. Leon LaPorte, commander of all 37,000 US forces in the ROK, said in an interview later that a shrinkage of the US military on the Korean Peninsula "may be one of the payoffs" from a multi-year plan for consolidating forces and introducing new military capabilities. In his talks with defense officials, Rumsfeld won no specific assurances that the 3,000 troops ROK plans to send to Iraq at the US' request will play a combat role.

An editorial in the Chosun Ilbo on 18 Nov stated, "The joint communique of twelve items issued after the meeting emphasizes, as in previous years, the importance of the alliance. Beyond the continuity on the surface, however, there were no small number of areas that lead you to think there was something clearly different about previous years when you look at the details of the negotiations. The best example would be the rare use of the word "regret" in reference to the question of moving the U.S. installation at Yongsan. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld expressed gratitude at Korea's decision to send additional troops to Iraq, but you hear talk of how the United States is disappointed and has expressed displeasure with the Korean government's attitude, having changed so much as if pushed around by the situation, despite what the Americans said with open diplomatic rhetoric."


Rumsfeld Arrival: 17 Nov 03

Anti-SCM Protest: 17 Nov 03

Puan Riots Heat Up Protest in Puan continue unabated until 23 Nov. Then in their frustration, the residents started throwing fermented shrimp in plastic bags at the riot police making a stinking mess. The Riot Police reacted by using their shields to beat a protestors resulting in public outcries. At least 100 people were hurt when rioting broke out on 22-23 Nov in the county over the contentious waste plant. About 8,000 police are already posted in Buan. In the past five months, 400 residents and police have been injured in protests. In Seoul, President Roh Moo-hyun admitted on 25 Nov that the government had misjudged the situation in Buan.

According to the Joongang Ilbo on 27 Nov, the unionized labor and farm organizations said they would join Buan county residents in their fight against a government plan to build a nuclear waste repository in the southern provincial region. Another mass rally Saturday was to be held on 29 Nov to press their demand that the government halt its project.


Puan Anti-Nuke Waste Dump Protest: 23 Nov 03

Riot Policeman Injuries Increase The following is from an editorial in the Chosun Ilbo on 27 Nov stating that 680 riot policeman have been injured so far this year versus 287 last year.

November 27, 2003
Riot Police: 'Don't Hit Them In The Face' An intern at a Police Hospital who has been giving stitches and assisted in surgery on injured riot police seems to be asking if he's actually working at a field hospital, as in a battlefield hospital. "Please don't hit them in the face. I want to tell all those who shoot air rifles and wield field tools to come over to Police Hospital and see the faces of these policemen with teeth missing and foreheads torn open," he says.

Anyone who marches in the street shouting slogans is certainly going to have reasons to be angry. But that doesn't mean you can thrash the precious children of another man's family who's there to satisfy his military duty. Some of those wielding steel pipes are sharpening them to give them blades, and batting upwards to reach the chin area that can't be protected with a helmet. One couldn't do such a thing unless you wanted in your heart to kill those young people.

Once you remove the protective gear they've all got childlike faces that might as well belong to our sons and nephews. To those wielding wood poles, they could be younger siblings. Why, when they should be studying and meeting girlfriends, must they be holding shields and standing in fear?

When a riot policeman gets injured and is out of service for three or four weeks, he gets W50,000 in compensation. If bones are broken or he receives burns requiring twelve weeks or more of rest, he gets W600,000. No one's ever going give them compensation for fighting for democratization, and the state isn't about to give them a pension. You wonder if the president or the Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs even knows about this.

More than 680 riot policemen have been injured already this year, compared to 287 last year. These are young riot policemen with their whole lives ahead of them, and hitting them in the face and breaking their bones is absolutely inexcusable, no matter how just one's demands may be. The responsible officials in this government, have been temporarily given custody of these children of other households. They must not pretend not to hear the calls by their parents to return their sons in good health.

U.S. Command Expresses Sympathy on Accident Involving U.S. Soldier

Seoul, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The American military command in South Korea gave condolences Friday to the family of a South Korean woman who was killed in a road accident involving a U.S. serviceman.

"The command expresses its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kee Kyeong-sun, who lost her life in this unfortunate accident," the Eighth U.S. Army in Seoul said in a news release.

CLARIFICATION ON TRANSFER OF CUSTODY

Seoul, Republic of Korea (USFK) Dec. 18, 2003 – Media reports on a recent traffic fatality have reported that this is the first time for an "American serviceman to be prosecuted under Korean law, setting a milestone in the nearly 60-year alliance between Seoul and Washington." (- quoting one of several articles.) This is incorrect.

Under the SOFA provisions, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has always had the primary right to exercise jurisdiction in the overwhelming majority of cases involving crimes against Korean citizens. In fact, five servicemembers are currently confined within the Republic of Korea prison system after being found guilty in criminal trials in Korean courts.

There are only two narrow categories of offenses in which the U.S. retains the primary right to exercise jurisdiction: (1) when the U.S. or another SOFA-status person is the victim; or, (2) in offenses arising out of the course of official duty. The "hit and run" case is squarely within the ROK’s primary right to exercise criminal jurisdiction over an American servicemember.

The unusual issue in this case is custody, not jurisdiction. Under the SOFA revision of 2001, the US transfers custody at ROK request in a case where the ROK has primary right of jurisdiction after indictment if the crime is of "sufficient gravity to warrant custody, and adequate cause and necessity exists for such custody" in any one of 12 categories of serious offenses that include driving under the influence, resulting in death. Beyond these 12 categories of cases, the rule is that the US retains custody until conviction and the exhaustion of all appeals. This is the first time since the revisions that the transfer of custody issue has come up regarding a military member. (SITE NOTE: On 30 Dec 2003, South Korean authorities put Sgt. Jerry Onken of Minnesota in detention before indicting him over charges that he fled a traffic accident in which a South Korean woman died. The Korean press stated he was the first American soldier "to be handed over to the South Korean side before a formal indictment on criminal charges under a revised bilateral accord.")

The Korean Ministry of Justice recently issued a press release accurately reflecting the newly implemented advance payment procedures; however, some media reports have stated that this is the first time the U.S. military has paid expenses and consolation money to a bereaved family before a final court ruling. This is also incorrect.

In virtually any serious incident, the U.S. has always made what are called solatia payments to victims far in advance of court rulings or even indictments. These payments are official U.S. Government expressions of condolence. They are not an admission of liability by the United States and are not related to the claims process. In the recent "hit and run" case, solatia payments were made within two days of the incident.

One of the victims' families additionally requested an advance payment of a claim under the SOFA and filed a request through the regional Korean District Compensation Committee. Under the SOFA, the United States is authorized to pay for damages caused by American servicemembers not acting in the scope of employment. Although not obligated to pay for such incidents, the United States can do so as a good-will gesture when the victims have no other source of recovery, such as insurance.

In some cases, an advance payment on a claim can be made to ease the financial burden to victims. These payments have been authorized and processed for many years. However, new procedures, agreed to in the summer of 2003, streamline the process and can reduce the payment time when a U.S. servicemember causes injury when not acting in the scope of employment.

Traffic Accident at Osan: 28 Nov 03

By Jeremy Kirk and Choe Song-won, Stars and Stripes

Pacific edition, Sunday, November 30, 2003

YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — A South Korean base contractor has been arrested and released in connection with a Monday crash, which resulted in one Camp Stanley soldier undergoing brain surgery and another with minor injuries, military and police officials said Friday.

The driver is a contractor working on the renovation of an Army and Air Force Exchange Service facility, said Maj. Tamara Parker, 2nd Infantry Division public affairs officer.

The driver was only identified by his family name Jung, said Sgt. Lee Pyong-hun of Uijongbu Police Station’s traffic accident division.

Police will not charge Jung until the extent of the soldiers’ injuries is known and until police can take their reports, Lee said.

The driver was given and passed a Breathalyzer test, officials said.

According to a military police report, Jung’s construction truck swerved left and struck a parked car. He then swerved a second time and the truck’s side mirror struck Warrant Officer Patrick Black, with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, who was crossing the street.

Pvt. Christopher Olenhindo, of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, was hit when Jung swerved a third time, the report said.

The incident remains under investigation by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command, military police traffic investigators and Korean National Police, Parker said.

Olenhindo remained hospitalized Friday with serious brain trauma, Lt. Col. Steven Boylan, an 8th Army spokesman, said Friday.

Olenhindo was flown to the 121st Hospital on Yongsan Garrison and underwent brain surgery after the 5:30 p.m. accident, Boylan said. His condition was described Friday as “very serious,” said Parker.

Black suffered minor injuries to his head and shoulders and was released after treatment at Camp Stanley’s medical clinic, Boylan said.

DECEMBER 2003:

KOREA AND US COMPLETE SURVEY EFFORTS ON FUEL SEEPAGE NEAR NOKSAPYEONG STATION

Seoul, Republic of Korea (USFK) - Seoul City, Ministry of Environment, and US Forces Korea recently completed joint expert discussions regarding fuel seepage into the south subway tunnel near Noksapyeong Station. These discussions followed extensive joint survey and testing efforts. Although experts identified the location of fuel underground and the general direction of the groundwater flow, they were not able to conclusively identify a source of kerosene, nor agree on the type of kerosene present.

The ROK/US joint survey effort first started in early 2001 when a mixture of kerosene with some gasoline was detected in a drainage sump. These joint survey efforts successfully identified that gasoline had leaked from a fuel station on the US installation. Corrective actions have been underway for the past two and a half years. Since October 2002, liquid fuel has not been seen in the tunnel. There has been no indication of new fuel leakage near the Noksapyeong station area.

US and ROK scientists have worked closely together and performed extensive analyses of soils, water, and fuel samples. Measurements from more than 60 wells were collected at several different times for the past year and the samples were tested with sophisticated methods and instruments in both US and ROK laboratories. Thousands of pieces of data were collected and analyzed by the scientists in an attempt to identify the source of the contamination and stop further release.

Work by both US and ROK scientists found that gasoline had flowed with and over the groundwater and seeped into the south tunnel of the subway beginning in January 2001 and ceasing in October 2002. The scientists determined that the groundwater in the area flows towards the subway tunnel. This is because water is pumped out of the subway system, lowering the groundwater level.

The north tunnel and the residential area north of the subway tunnels have not shown signs of fuel contamination. All indications are that there is no active source for either the kerosene or the gasoline present in the area.

Some of the wells also had a kerosene type fuel. Indicators were present in environmental samples, but the chemists could not agree on the type and source of kerosene. Some believed it to be a military type of kerosene called JP-8. Others, however, pointed out that a unique ingredient of that specific type was not present in testing, so the analysis was inconclusive.

While the source was not conclusively identified, it might have come from Yongsan Garrison based on the ground water flow characteristics in the south tunnel area. The experts could not identify any active leakage from any potential source located either on Yongsan Garrison, or outside the base since discovery of the problem.

Korean and USFK officials discussed these issues in the SOFA Environmental Subcommittee and agreed on actions to be taken in accordance with the SOFA. USFK cleanup actions on the military installation are almost completed. Cleanup efforts outside the Yongsan Garrison military installation will be undertaken by Seoul City.

Seoul Metropolitan Government officials have indicated they plan to request reimbursement of the survey and remediation costs by filing a claim through the Seoul District Compensation Committee, which handles SOFA related claims. The issue would be decided based upon joint ROK and US government review of the merits of the claim.

The group conducting the survey was comprised of scientists and academic experts included chemists, hydro-geologists, geophysicists, and geologists from the ROK and US. The team was one of the most distinguished expert groups ever brought together for a joint ROK - US survey. The geological characteristics of the ground near the tunnel made the survey complex, calling for highly skilled experts.

UIJONGBU AND USFK WORKING TO RESOLVE FUEL SEEPAGE AT HEUNGSEON UNDERPASS

Seoul, Republic of Korea (UNC/CFC/USFK) Dec 15, 2003 - On 13 October 2003, the Uijongbu-City in Gyeonggi-Do conducted environmental survey and sampling on oil seepage that was found at the Heungseon underground passage. On 29 October 2003, Uijongbu-City requested through Ministry of Environment (MOE) that a joint survey be initiated in accordance with the "Joint Environmental Information Exchange and Access Procedure" agreed between the ROK and the USFK.

An initial meeting was held on 24 November 2003 to share information between the US and the ROK regarding the fuel seepage. One possible source of the fuel seepage was a leak in a line from a heating fuel tank that was discovered by USFK. This fuel line was replaced prior to the meeting to ensure no possibility of leakage from that line. Tests on other tanks and lines did not show any leakage.

A joint working group was formed to coordinate future efforts between Uijongbu and USFK in resolving this issue. The working group met on 10 December 2003 to share additional information, compare test results on the seepage, and plan and coordinate future assessment of the area. The next meeting will be held after more detailed plans have been developed for assessing the site.

Current plans call for additional monitoring wells to be installed by both USFK and Uijongbu to allow sampling to confirm the source and develop a plan for additional corrective actions. USFK explained that it has a special concern about this seepage since it has two water wells in this area that provide drinking water for its installations in Uijongbu. Both Uijongbu and USFK continue to monitor the area as they cooperate in resolving the issue.

Anti-War Protest: 6 Dec 03

Anti-Iraq Troop Dispatch Protest: 13 Dec 03

The 3,230 are to be divided into two groups that will both operate in the same region. The government plans to deploy 230 additional soldiers for the Seohee and Jaema units, which were originally approved by the National Assembly to include 700 soldiers in all. A Cabinet meeting on December 23 is expected to pass the bill and send it to the National Assembly for ratification.

Cho Young-kil, the Minister of Defense, said in a press conference that a division headquarters would be created and units participating in various missions, such as nation-rebuilding support and surveillance, would operate under it. The headquarters is to include staff from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Defense Ministry has been considering including not only special forces, but also marines, commandos and infantry soldiers, with the surveillance unit, Cho said.

Cho said that because the Korean troops might have difficulties supporting nation-building missions in the designated region, civilian experts would be dispatched to help the forces and to carry out humanitarian relief activities. The region that the Korean forces are to run is to be one of three northern cities: Kirkuk, Tal Apar and Kwayara, and the southern city of Nasiriya, where the Seohee and Jaema units have been operating.

In response on 20 Dec, about 1,500 protestors attempted to march toward the Government Building. The protestors were attempting to form a human chain. 3,600 riot police briefly scuffled with the protestors, but no major clashes were reported.

Winter sets in The winter weather is turning bitter cold. The first snows in Seoul caused traffic jams in the rush hour in the first week of December. At this point the protest season is over. There will be small protests by die-hard radicals, but most protests will have died out until next spring. This is the reason the labor unions have joined with the on-going Puan anti-nuclear waste dump site protests to keep their picture in the news and in the eye of the public. After the government decided to look at alternative locations, the Puan demonstrations died out. Unless something dramatic heats up the Korean populace, the protest season is over for 2003.

DO NOT EXPECT ANY MAJOR PROTESTS FROM 15 DEC TO NEXT SPRING.

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Go to Kunsan AB Protests: January-May 2003.Go to Kunsan AB Protests: April-June 2003. Go to Kunsan AB Protests: July-September 2003. Go to Kunsan AB Protests: July-September 2003.

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