- HAWAII
- AWARDS
- MISCELLANEOUS
- "Gameroom"Out of Date -- Only maintained for Go-Stop Game Downloads and explanation of game
- "E-cards" -- Selection of email cards with Kanaka in Hawaii email card with Korean motif designs and Korean midi-musci.
- "Amazon.com Search Engines" -- Amazon.com search engines for everything
- SOUTH KOREA
- "Korean Resource (Part 1)" -- Out of Date
- "Korean Resource (Part 2)" -- Out of Date
- "Reviews of Korean Books"
- "Korean Scenery"
- "Korean People"
- South Korea-wide Events: 2005
- South Korea-wide Events: 2006
- Domestic Events: 2006 -- Controversial school program changes from changing the school year to attacks on Private School Education; Roh administration attacks on Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression; Roh scrambling to find revenues to support his extravagant domestic programs, military "self-reliant defense" upgrades, and North Korean giveaways; and NIS "Truth Committee" reports slanted to prosecute the Roh agenda; NHRC actions; Turmoil in the police department; Roh administration's continued actions to fill key government positions with "progressives"; Xenophobic witch-hunt to penalize Japanese "collaborators."
- Business, Finance and Labor Events: 2006 -- Xenophobic business environment and failure of the Roh administration economic policies in a three-year recession.
- Political Events: 2006 -- The on-going "soap opera" of political scandals and the declining power of the Uri Party and slow return to power of the Grand National Party (GNP).
- International Events: 2006 -- International news items of general interest that impact on Korea life or general impressions.
- South Korea-wide Events: 2007
- Domestic Events: 2007 -- Controversial school program changes from changing the school year to attacks on Private School Education; the last year of the Roh "lame duck" administration that has left Korea's economy in shambles; a housing bubble that is feared to be ready to burst; and an economy supported by exports while the local economy stagnates.
- Business, Finance and Labor Events: 2007 -- Xenophobic business environment and failure of the Roh administration economic policies.
- Political Events: 2007 -- The on-going "soap opera" of political wranglings as the Presidential race of 2007 heats up. The disintegration of the Uri Party.
- International Events: 2007 -- International news items of general interest that impact on Korea life or general impressions.
- MISCELLANEOUS SOUTH KOREAN TOPICS:
- Roh Moo-Hyun: Anti-American or Radical Reformist? -- Comparison of Roh in 2004 and 2006 his failures and successes.
- Tokdo is OURS!!! -- The on-going international feud between Japan and Korea that started in 1954 -- and continues till today.
- Opinion on Wartime Control Transfer -- 30 Aug 2006 response to an essay by Professor Chung-in Moon at Nautilus Org.
- 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. Robert Kim -- American traitor & ROK hero. (Sources footnoted) Covers history of communism in Cholla Provinces; list of coastal infiltration with methods of infiltration and vehicles used. (Posted: 24 May 2004)
- KOREAN NGO PROTESTS:
- Korean NGO Protests -- Vile Anti-Americanism after the accidental death of two middle-school girls walking on the side of the road. The entire country jumped on the bandwagon and opportunist Roh Moo-hyun condemned the US as well to gain the votes to win the Presidency in Dec 2002. Flag burnings, repeatedly forcing apologies from George Bush on down -- with extremist student activists kidnapping US soldiers to parade at a rally.
- Korean NGO Protests -- Background of Protests; Protests in 2003 and 2004 by month; Indepth Coverage of the Protest Movement -- The Relocation of the USFK/SOFA -- Roh Moo-hyun actions and how it is all intertwined. Conflicts between Pro-US and anti-US elements are ideological and generational in nature. Coverage by month (Updated: 29 Oct 2004)
- Background-- Roots of anti-Americanism in 2002; Girls death in June 2002; anti-Americanism explodes in Korea; anti-War movement takes lead
- 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 -- Roh takes office and anti-Americanism miraculously silenced; anti-Americanism low-key; warning that US would leave if asked; anti-War lead in anti-Troop deployment to Iraq
- 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 after start of Iraq War. (Updated: 16 April 2003)
- Apr-Jun 2003 -- Antiwar Protests over Iraq; Saemangeum protests; Resurgence of anti-Americanism; anti-SOFA demonstration on anniversary of girls deaths; pro-US rallies; Union wages turmoil
- Jul-Sep 2003 -- Student attack on Embassy and Yongsan compound; Student breach USFK Range; anti-Americanism resurgence; Puan explodes over nuclear site issue; Protests over ROK troop deployment to Iraq
- Oct-Dec 2003 -- Anti-troop deployment protests; Puan protests; SOFA issue with GI traffic hit and run
- Jan-Mar 2004 -- Violent anti-Americanism resurgence over anti-Troop deployment; WTO rice protests heat up; Roh impeached
- Apr-Jun 2004 -- Backlash of Roh impeachment gives Uri Party majority; Economy sours and protests increase; Pyongtaek protests; Unification movement takes the lead; ROK protests over troop deployment continues after beheading; Candlelight vigils
- Jul-Sep 2004 -- Anti-Troop deployment protests; economy still spiralling down; Teacher strike; Roh Presidential Panel stirs up protests over "spies" as investigators; anti-Japanese movement in guise of finding collaborators by Roh; Pyongtaek protests; Sept relatively calm
- Oct-Dec 2004 -- Anti-NSL Abolition rally draws 100,000; Illegal Workers ousted as terrorist threat; NSL issue heats up.
- Jan-Mar 2005 -- Anti-North Protest over Nuclear Weapons; Noise pollution of protests; NGO groups target Kunsan Chik-do range for protests; Spring arrives and protests at Pyongtaek start up; (SITE NOTE: After Mar 2005, there seemed to be a marked drop in the politically motivated protests as the organized groups -- i.e., KCWU (Korean Confederation of Workers) and KTEW (Korean Teachers and Education Workers) -- and farmers staged the majority of protests. There was a waning of student activist involvement from the Hangchongryon except for a few protests in Pyeongtaek. The activists were becoming disillusioned with the "vision" of Roh Moo-hyun as the country entered into its third year of recession -- that the government refused to recognize. Activism became institutionalized as President Roh pushed his Japan collaborator witch hunts and attempted to stir up anti-Japanese fervor for the sake of nationalism. As such coverage of protests for this site now focused on Pyeongtaek relocation; institutionalized events (under South Korea: Politics) and FTA (under South Korea: Business). Anti-American activists were having a harder time rousing support as the USFK announced its intentions to disengage from Korea. Koreans want the Americans to leave eventually -- but not right now.)
NORTH KOREA
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North Korean Crisis (2002)
-- Sunshine Policy of Kim Dae-jung saved in 11th hour.
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North Korean Crisis (2003-2004)
-- The brinksmanship continues with the KEDO nuclear reactor program in the
toilet and the U.S. refusing to direct talks with North Korea. The North withdraws from the
nuclear proliferation treaty and restarts its nuclear weapons program. It
started up its missile testing program and threatens to test the Taepongdo-2
missile which in turn forced the Japanese to amend their constitution for War Time Contingency Powers. Low-key buildup with the F-117A and USS Carl Vinson ends at end of May 2003. President Roh continued to be rebuffed in South Korea's role in nuclear disarmament, but continues to send financial aid to the north. The South's actions widen the rift between the two allies. Later admits reprocessing about complete. F-117As back in 2004. SARS outbreak places China meeting on hold. DPRK caught smuggling drugs into Australia. DPRK accused of smuggling missile parts from Japan. (Updated: Dec 2004)
- North Korean Events (2006-2007) -- Starting in 2006, the on-going "soap opera" of North Korean intrigue with counterfeiting and drugs; nuclear disarment; and the continuing ROK aid to the North. Actions of the US to play "hardball" with the North at the six-party talks, while the North refuses to negotiate.
- North Korea Counterfeiting (2006-2007) -- Chronology of events starting in 2006. North Korean counterfeiting which the South sandbags, while the US exerts financial sanctions. North makes the lifting of financial sanctions a demand before it will discuss its nuclear program in the six-party talks.
- North Korea Nuclear Test and Sanction (2006-2007) -- North Korean last resort card to treat the nuclear test as defensive ploy and demands to be recognized as a nuclear power. After first test in Oct 2006, the US expected a second test as the North sought to be considered a full-fledged nuclear power. Six-party Talks resume.
- North Korea Missile Crisis (2006-2007) -- The 1998 missile test across Japanese Air Space was a wakeup call, and the 4 Jul 2006 multiple missile firing into the East Sea hardened the Japanese stance. However, the ROK claims their "brothers" would never target South Korea.
KUNSAN CITY
KUNSAN AB -- Refer to main index and subindexes for more detailed subcategories -- including tenant units.
- "Japanese Aviation Training: 1938-1945"
- "Occupation Forces: 1945-1948" -- Includes commentary of the Army brats who were dependents at the base along with both officer and enlisted commentary of the base and Kunsan Harbor.
- "3rd Bombardment Wing (L-NI): 1951-1955" -- Includes the history of the 3rd Bomber Group to present.
- "474th Fighter Bomber Group:1952-1954"
- "VMF(N)-513 Flying Nightmares: 1952-1953"
- "Other Units: 1951-1955"
- "Caretaker Units: 1955-1971"
- "3rd Tactical Fighter Wing Fighter Wing: 1971-1974"
- "8th Fighter Wing: 1974-Present" -- (Go to the Table of Contents for the links to the chronological history (1931-Present) for the unit.) Includes the complete history of the 8th Wing from its inception in 1931 as 8th Pursuit Group to its fighting its way up the Pacific with P-38s to Japan where it flew F-51s and transitioned to jets. Then the turbulent initial days of the Korean War. This followed its move to Suwon during the Korean War and then back to Japan. It relocated to George to transition to F-4s and departed to Thailand where it earned its name of "Wolfpack." It returned to Korea upon the departure of the 3rd TFW to the PI.
- "How It Was: Then (1954) & Now" -- Out of Date
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Kunsan AB Information
- Out of Date: Info, maps, slideshows with links to Kunsan City; Transportation; Base
(Updated: January 2004) SITE NOTE: We moved away from Kunsan City in Sep 2004 and this page no longer updated.
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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; Wolf Pack Sexual Assaults hot DoD special interest item; USFK anti-prostitution campaign; Russians cleared from A-town (Jul 04); Bar owners selling out and A-town is changing (Sep 04); ROK prostitution goes to the internet; ROK anti-prostitution campaign eyewash? (Sep 04); Crackdown causes prostitutes to rally to reopen industry (Oct 04); Sexual Abuse Special Interest Item and still continues in USFK despite publicity campaign (Mar 05); New proposed ruling of tough action under UCMJ in 2005 for solicitation will spell death knell for A-town; Civilians Fight USFK Curfew and win recission for themselves; Bar Owners start to fight back (Feb 05) while USFK tries to strongarm compliance at Osan/Camp Humphries (Feb 05) -- but then USFK Scandal of Osan Kickback to Town Patrol as bar owners blow the whistle (Mar 05) (See TABLE OF CONTENTS) (Updated: Mar 2005)
- On-Base Issue: Sexual Assaults - Privacy Issues (2003); Sexual Assaults in Academies start Congressional inquiry; DoD surveys Sexual Assaults in Services (Mar 04); Survey inconclusive but many recommendations (May 04); New policy on reporting sexual assaults (Mar 05) (See TABLE OF CONTENTS) (Updated: Mar 2005)
OSAN AB & SONGTAN
PYEONGTAEK AREA (CAMP HUMPHREYS)
USFK MILITARY EVENTS
- Military Affairs: Kunsan AB (2000)
- Military Affairs: Kunsan AB (2001)
- Military Affairs: Kunsan AB (2002)
- 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; New Abrams Upgrade; US Alters Land Mine Policy; Rift in Intel sharing between ROK and US; Roh Impeachment and anti-US sentiment; US Rejects ROK Demand for Kooni Range Compensation; ROK CFC Deputy arrested for bribery; Soldiers involved in brawl/stabbing and one sentenced; Robert Kim (spy or patriot?); (Updated: 14 Sep 2004)
- Military Affairs (2005) -- USFK Starts to prosecute its Zero-Tolerance Policy on Prostitution/Human Trafficking with howls of outrage over curfew for civilians -- USFK backs off; ROK deletes the North as "main enemy" from Defense White Paper; USFK Crime stats for 2004 show a decline, but so does ROK military crime stats; Dollar drops below 1000 won rate; American view of ROK changes; Kitty Hawk part of scaled back RSOI/FE05; Protest of Chik-do firing range use; (Updated: Feb 2005)
- 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: Dec 2004)
- Military Affairs: North Korean Crisis (2004): -- Equipment changes; Korea-wide Exercises; Force Positioning; Policy changes; North-South military dialogue. (Updated: Dec 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. 2d Bde 2d ID relocated to Iraq in Aug 2004 -- will have followon to Fort Carson, CO. US firm on 12,000 troop reductions by end of 2005. Move of Yongsan delayed to 2008. Interrelationship of moves to recombine 5AF at Yokota with 13th AF in Guam along with I Corps to Camp Zama and relocate Okinawa Marines to Camp Fuji -- with possible 3d Bde 2d ID (Stryker) relocation after Iraq tour. The never-ending story of the Future of the Alliance (FOTA) continues with negotiation after negotiation -- and the US playing hardball. ROK claims of pushback to 2008 to be resolved at Oct SCM. (Updated: Nov 2004)
- 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. In 2004, the move was looking towards Japan as basing, but Article 9 of Japanese Peace Constitution an impediment with proposed changes in 2005. Outlook does NOT favor Korea at this time, but it may be only option. In Oct 2004, the ROK decides to recognize that USFK may become regional force and new discussions underway. (SITE NOTE: As of 2006, it is apparent that the Strykers will NOT be deployed to Korea because of Korea's refusal to allow USFK troops and equipment in a regional role.) (Updated: Dec 2004)
- Relocation of USFK Bases (2005) -- Security Policy Initiative (SPI) replaces FOTA; Major changes underway in ROK and Japan to shape a REGIONAL force; Roh draws the battlelines by stating OFFICIALLY that the ROK will not allow the USFK to become part of a Regional force; Under the US Global Strategy, this places the ROK and US in a head-on collision course; ROK cost-share still in dispute.
- USFK Military Events: 2006 -- Items impacting the USFK Korea-wide, including changes in the US-ROK alliance and transition of 2d ID to Camp Humphreys
- USFK-ROK Dispute on LPP Camp Return over Pollution Issue: 2006-Present -- Pollution disagreement between US-ROK impacts upon the return of camps to the ROK.
- USFK Military Events: 2007 -- Items impacting the USFK Korea-wide, including changes in the US-ROK alliance and transition of 2d ID to Camp Humphreys
ROK MILITARY EVENTS AND RELATED MILITARY TOPICS
- Korea Continues to March to Its Own Drummer (2003-2004) -- 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. Most of the upgrade programs in trouble as the shortage of funds causes the ROK to "go cheap." The SAM-X program was to use "used" PAC-2 Patriots from Germany, but shelved. E-X (AWACS) program sent out for bids AGAIN. The ROK promise to increase spending to 3.2 percent of GDP held off as increase only 2.9 percent of GDP. Korea wants to put satellite up with aid of Russia. (Updated: Aug 2004)
- 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)
- Military Affairs: North Korean Crisis (2005): -- North Korea pulls out of six-way talks and admits it has Nuclear Weapons; Sanctions and Isolation of North Korea started; North Korea executes defectors returned by China; Japan readies economic sanctions against North Korea; US targets North under its "democracy" campaign
- Proposed ROK FY2005 Military Budget -- Is It the Last Straw??? (2004) (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 (2004) (OPINION) -- Indepth look at the US Perspective on the evolving US-ROK alliance. Look into the
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)
- ROK Military Events: 2006-Present -- ROK "Self-reliant" defense buildup and return of wartime control. The continuing dissolution of the CFC and the disagreements on relocation costs, cost-sharing, time-tables and LDP camp returns. ROK actions that impact on the move from Yongsan to Camp Humphreys.
- Japan-US Realignment: 2006-Present -- Japanese events that are shaping the future of the ROK-US alliance as the Japan seeks to change Article 9 of the Peace Constitution. The continued push for the Missile Defense System.
MISCELLANEOUS MILITARY INFO
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Kalani O'Sullivan
Kunsan Forecast
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