Future UN General Secretary Ban-Ki Moon takes the first step

Ban-Ki Moon is advising South Korea to make proactive steps to deal with human rights issue of North Korea. It's great that Mr. Moon is starting to take action so early. But his thinking will conflict with President Roh's policy of "See-no evil".

I've done a lot of research on Ban-Ki Moon and he has a long history of performing behind-the-scenes diplomatic service. It seems now all his hard work is being recognized.

New pictures of North Korea

Check out the latest photos.

More defectors coming to South Korea

By mid next year, their will be an estimated 10,000 north korean defectors living in various asian countries. This increase is causing re-settlement problems in South Korea and their is evidence that those who defected are having a difficult time adjusting to the new life. Some have actually went back into North Korea.

Another Japanese abduction by North Koreans discovered

Officially, 16 people are recognized as being abducted by North Korea. Now, a 17th person has been discovered.

The Pope gets involved

Pope Benedict has issued a statement on the issue
of North Korea.

North Korea Youth Soccer Team wins AFC Championship

At least we know where the food is going in North Korea.

U.S. and China plan for their meeting with North Korea

The U.S., China, Japan, U.K., and South Korea are now coordinating to plan for the six-party talks. But who are the North Koreans coordinating with?.....obviously China. While China is talking to the U.S., they are also talking with North Korea. Conflict of interest?

It seems like the 5 countries are planning to have a unified strategy against North Korea. I think it's a great idea that they are doing this together. In my opinion, I think Bush is trying to avoid another Iraq. If the Bush administration went off on their own, it would be Iraq all over again. But at least they have proof of WMDs.

Personally, I think the next six-party talks will not do anything. I don't think the U.S. will let go of the bank accounts and North Korea will not disarm. It'll drag for a while, just like the previous meetings. During that time, North Korea will keep digging their tunnels to seoul. which leads to.....

THE TUNNELS

Many of you may or may-not know, North Korea has been secretly digging tunnels from the DMZ to seoul. The purpose of these tunnels is to start the war with South Korea. Kim Sung-Il originally planned it, but his son has continued it. When the war starts, the tunnels would be used to move troops from the DMZ to seoul. In one hour, a regiment of troops can get to seoul.

The first tunnel was found in 1974. Within 10 more years, 3 more tunnels were found. Just recently, a fifth tunnel has been found.

Why is it that South Koreans do not take the threat from North Korea seriously?

Here's an article that talks about the present attitude of South Koreans.

I recently visited Seoul and asked my relatives about their opinions on North Korea. Their opinion is that they have gotten use to the threats from North Korea and they do not feel they should change their lives in any way because of it. I also asked a tour guide that works at the DMZ and he also agrees that he has gotten use to it. It seem like our perception of the North/South situation is much different from South Koreans. If they're not so worried, why should we be so worried about it? The answer is that the seperation of the Korean people is morally wrong.

North Korea reminds Beijing of its past

Here's a quick commentary from a Chinese journalist. She equates the current conditions of North Korea to Beijing in the 60's.

Condoleezza Rice thinks North Korea will now stop any nuclear testing.

YEAH, RIGHT!! I know that politicians have to put a positive spin on everything, but I seriously doubt she believes this. I predict that if North Korea do not get their bank accounts back, they will test again. Then it's going to be a whole new ballgame.

The Japananese point-of-view

I think the Japanese government really hates North Korea. They have been demanding a resolution to the issue of the abductions for the past couple of years. North Korea refuses to discuss the matter because they think it has already been resolved. Just recently, Japan has issued an arrest warrant for a North Korean agent who kidnapped Hitomi Soga and her mother.

I really hope that the Japanese get justice for these kidnappings. How does North Korea admit to the kidnappings but refuse to accept any reprimands? How do they actually feel justified for counterfeiting the US dollar? I just can't believe the UN lets them get away with this stuff.

As of Friday, 11/3/2006, North Korea has agreed to go back to the six party talks. I really think that the US's actions of freezing North Korean assests has hurt North Korea. It seems like Bush's policy is somewhat working. North Korea has made it clear that they want the bank issue resolved at the meeting. It will be really sad if the US caves into North Korea's demands.

The synopsis...so far

North Korea had detonated a nuclear weapon as a test in the past month. As a result, the UN has issued sanctions against the country. Although the US and Japan would have liked a more aggressive sanction, China and Russia have agreed on lenient sanction. Surprisingly, South Korea is sticking by these sanctions and are actually applying the sanctions. But as a result, North Korea have threatened to retaliate if South Korea applies the sanctions.

But as everyone knows by now, North Korea has a history of threatening the US and South Korea. They have yet to actually do anything. So I really hope South Korea does not back off from the sanctions.

The backstory......

Their has already been heavy sanctions on any banks dealing with North Korea. The US has frozen North Korean assets in the US and Maccau because they have proof that North Korea has been counterfeting the US dollar. As well, they have proof of drug smuggling and other illegal international activity.