Text Fwd: USFK Tyranny in Pyeongtaek; Entertainment businesses subject to armed crackdowns by US military police

http://english.khan.co.kr/khan_art_view.html?artid=201105111228037&code=710100
USFK Tyranny in Pyeongtaek; Entertainment businesses subject to armed crackdowns by US military police
Posted on : 2011-05-11

Burwell Bell, Commander of US Forces Korea, delivers a speech marking the launching of construction for Pyongtaek military base for US Forces Korea at Daichuri, Pangsungup, Pyongtaek, Gyeonggi Province on Nov 13, 2007. US Forces Korea stationed in Pyongtaek is effectively exercising "the right to crack down on and punish" foreigner-only entertainment businesses, thus igniting Koreans' criticisms of their "tyranny." (File photo by Yonhap News, Caption by Seol Wontai )

It has emerged that United States Forces Korea (USFK) in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, is effectively exercising “the right to crack down on and punish” foreigner-only entertainment businesses.

USFK is exercising thorough control in the fields of health, hygiene and public order. This includes entry by armed US military police into entertainment establishments and demands that employees present proof of identity.

Based on crackdowns, USFK is indiscriminately declaring “off limits” measures that effectively amount to suspension of business. According to entertainment businesses, 33 out of 40 establishments have been declared off limits or received warnings in the last five years.

Crackdowns by armed US military police

News of crackdowns was first revealed by the Kyunghyang Shinmun on May 10, after the newspaper acquired “an official document sent by the commander of ‘Base X’ of the Unites States Air Force in Pyeongtaek to the owner of a nearby entertainment business, by the name of Choe.”

The document states that USFK declared Choe’s business “off limits” to USFK personnel twice: once in June 2009 and once on January 21 this year. The reason stated for this was that the establishment allowed “bar fines” (female employees who receive alcohol from USFK personnel) and employed foreign workers in possession of “E-6” (entertainment) visas.

USFK stated in the documents that [a foreign female employee at the establishment] had refused to present her ID when requested to do so by patrolling USFK military police personnel, and that, having considered the circumstances, USFK had concluded that the establishment was in violation of the agreement not to employ Filipino women. This, the document said, was USFK’s reason for declaring the bar “indefinitely” off-limits.

This is not an isolated case. According to Pyeongtaek people’s Solidarity for participation and Autonomy (PPSPA) and the Songtan branch of the Korea Foreigner Tourist Association, the US military has declared 33 out of 40 US military-only establishments off limits since 2005.

From 1992, USFK controlled such businesses arbitrarily, according to a type of agreement reached with Pyeongtaek city authorities. When official documents upon which “off limits” measures were based were made public and caused a scandal in 2005 (as reported on the front page of the Kyunghyang Shinmun on March 31, 2005), this agreement was abolished.


Regulations not contained within SOFA

Even since then, however, USFK has been running a system of parallel crackdowns and punishment of businesses close to bases, by communicating regulations and guidelines orally and sending armed military police on patrol.

Under the pretext of protecting its own citizens, USFK has been creating irrational regulations that are not found within the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Korea and the US, and arbitrarily exercising what amounts to a right to carry out crackdowns.

Entertainment establishments have protested, saying, “For businesses that operate exclusively for foreigners, being declared ‘off-limits’ is a punishment equivalent to suspension of business. There are 500 more establishments that would effectively go out of business if US military personnel did not visit them.”

Despite the circumstances, however, Pyeongtaek city authorities are refusing to consider remedial measures or even look into what disadvantages are being incurred by the businesses in question. An association for Korea-US cooperation, created to aid conflict resolution between the two countries and headed jointly by the mayor of Pyeongtaek and the local USFK base commander, is also proving ineffective.

Civic groups including the PPSPA plan to hold a press conference on May 12 in front of the main gate of Base X and call for the off limits measures to be lifted. (News, The Kyunghyang Daily News. May 11, 2011. Reported by Choi In-jin; Translated by Ben Jackson. )

Text Fwd: 'USFK ready to fight when called'

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/04/113_85599.html
'USFK ready to fight when called'Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson
By Lee Tae-hoon
04-20-2011 19:29


The commander of the U.S. 8th Army said Wednesday that the transfer of wartime operational control and troop relocation plans won’t affect his troops’ commitment to defend its ally.

In a media briefing, Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson, who oversees some 20,000 of the 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea, reaffirmed that his troops will always be fully prepared to counter possible attacks by North Korea.

He claimed that the relocation of U.S. bases and facilities to Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province will not create a security vacuum or make South more vulnerable to armed provocation.

“The plan for the move to Pyeongtaek is based on ensuring we have no gaps in our ability to execute the mission,” Johnson said.

The three-star general said the relocation will rather help his troops be better prepared to “fight when called on, and helps strength the alliance” between South Korea and the United States.

“We’ll take every opportunity to rehearse those movements to ensure our plans account for those movements and make sure the first consideration of every move is whether we are able to execute the mission,” he said.

He argued that his troops’ military drills outside the Korean Peninsula are coordinated closely with the South Korean military to ensure there are plans to bring that force back in the event they are needed here.

“So plans are made and transportation is available to make sure if it is necessary to bring them here quickly,” Johnson said.

The U.S. general denied media reports that the number of U.S. troops in the South has dropped more than 2,000 from 28,500.

“At any point in time, due to individual rotations, that number fluctuates in small measures,” he said, underlining that there has been no major reduction in the troop number.

He said individuals with specific skills have been dispatched to Iraq and Afghanistan, but those with “equal skills have been designated to backfill us to ensure we have capability we need here.”

Johnson added that his Army has just completed taking possession of the U.S. Army's newest M1 battle tanks and will deploy improved infantry fighting vehicles later this year.

Asked if there are any immediate signs of provocations from North Korea, including a nuclear or missile test, he said, “I’m not tracking anything out of the ordinary right now, but we stay very vigilant and are watching very closely.”

He noted that U.S. forces are observing forces in North Korea very closely in conjunction with the intelligence capabilities of the South Korean military.

leeth@koreatimes.co.kr
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See also


http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2011/04/20/49/0301000000AEN20110420007300315F.HTML
USFK monitoring military movements in N. Korea 'very closely': commander2011/04/20 15:27 KST


http://www.tongilnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=94418
미 8군 사령관 "전작권 전환 후에도 미군 임무 변화 없다"
"미8군, 야전군으로 임무 변경.. 해외 군사연습 참가 횟수 늘 것"

Photos Fwd:[SPARK] Stop the illegal and unjust US base relocation business!

All the image sources: Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, March 30, 2011
평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 2011년 3월 30일(아래 링크 클릭)

http://www.spark946.org/bugsboard/index.php?BBS=s_news&action=viewForm&uid=2750&page=1
Urgent press interview related to the hearing on the business promotion of the US base relocation:

Stop the illegal and unjust US base relocation business for which South Korea is burdened with 16 trillion won!

1pm, March 30, 2011-03-31 In front of the Ministry of National Defense

미군기지 이전사업 추진 설명회 관련 긴급 기자회견:

한국이 16조원 덤터기 쓰는 불법 (한미 LPP협정 위반) 부당한 미군기지 이전사업 중단하라!

2011년 3월 30일 낮 1시, 국방부 정문 앞





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See also Pyeongteak Peace Center 평택 평화 센터( 아래 링크 클릭)

http://www.peacept.org/bbs/zboard.php?id=peacept_act&no=223

Photos Fwd: [SPARK] No ROK-Japan military pact! No US-Japan-ROK trilateral Alliance!

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국문 성명서:
136 차 자주 통일평화 행동 결의문 (클릭)
김성환 외교부 장관과 기타자와 도시미 일본 방위상 면담 대응 기자회견 일본의 한반도 재침략 길 터주는 한일 군사협정 체결 논의 중단하라!(클릭)
일본 재침략 길 터주는 한일 군사협정 체결 및 일본 방위상의 2함대 사령부 방문을 강력히 반대한다.(클릭)

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More description comes later.

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* Image source: Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

The 136th Self-reliance Unification Peace Action in front of the U.S. Embassy, Seoul, Jan. 11, 2011


ROK-Japan-US trilateral alliance
Resurrection of militarism in Japan
South Korean policy of unification through absorbing [North Korea]



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* Image source: Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Jan. 11, 2011

Shadow protest action
In front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2:40pm, Jan. 11, 2011







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* Image source: Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Jan. 11, 2011

Shadow protest action

In front of the headquarter of the 2nd Fleet, Pyeongtaek, 11:30am, Jan. 11, 2011

"We also strongly oppose the conclusion of ROK-Japan military pact in the sense that the western sea area under the district of the 2nd fleet is becoming the sites for the militaristic clash between North and South Korea and for the power conflicts by the vicinity countries such as China and United States.

As the Pyeongtaek base including the headquarter of the 2nd fleet command is becoming fortified as the war power projection base for the USFK in preparation for the preemptive attack against North Korea and for the both banks conflicts, if ROK-Japan military pact is concluded, it is clear that Pyeongtaek will be not to mention, for the post for the USFK but also for the combined forces of ROK-Japan-US, with the JMSDF running frequently. If then, Pyeongtaek cannot be in the middle of the power conflicts between NK-China-Russia and ROK-US-Japan and the damage for it would be wholly in our part intact." (Part translation from the statement of SPARK, Pyeongtaek)

Text Fwd: Korean solidarity signatories to Okinawa : 123 individuals and 18 organizations, total 141 오키나와 연대를 위한 한국 서명자들: 123 개인과 18개 단체, 총 141 서명

http://d.hatena.ne.jp/hansentoteikounofesta09/
Jan.2nd, 2011 高江を救え！」アピール＆デモの映像
(* Image and link thankfully informed by Anatakara)
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The sites of the Anatakara, Japan(click) and Peace Philosophy Centre, Japan/Canada(click) have also thankfully uploaded the list of the signatories. Click each site.
Too see the Koreans' solidarity statement to Okinawa, to which the below signatories signed, CLICK HERE. (* The statement site includes the video and images on Takae and on Japanese protests for Okinawa.)
The statement can be seen in English, Japanese and Korean language version in order.
The Korean language version of the signatories is below the English version.

일본의 아나타카라(클릭)와 일본/캐나다의 평화 철학 센터(클릭) 사이트 역시 감사히 서명부를 올렸읍니다. 각 사이트를 클릭하시길.
아래 한국 서명자들이 서명한 오키나와 연대 성명서를 보시려면 여기 클릭.
(*위 성명서 사이트는 타카에와 오키나와를 위한 일본인들의 항의에 관한 이미지들과 비디오를 포함합니다.)
성명서는 영어, 일어, 국문 버전 순서입니다.
서명자 국문 버전은 아래의 영문 밑을 보시길.

_____________________________________________
The below 123 individuals and 18 organizations, so total 141, signed to the
‘Koreans’ solidarity statement to support the people in Okinawa who oppose against the additional construction of the U. S. marine helipads and relocation of the Futenma U.S. AFB to Henoko’. The signs were collected from Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2011.

The summary of the 123 individual signatories is:

Gangjeong villagers in the Jeju Island: total 55
Samsung workers and their colleagues & supporters: total 24
Daechu-ri villagers and citizens in the City of Pyeongtaek: total 11
Staffs and members of the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea (SPARK): total 11
Citizens in Jeonjoo : total 5
Other individuals: total 17


Organizations: total 18

123 individuals and 18 organizations
Total 140 signatories

These individuals greatly helped to collect the signs.

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Go Gwon-Il and the Gangjeong villagers; Mr. Kim Seong-Hwan, Representative, Samsung General Labor Union; Mr. Shin Jong-Won, Headman of the Deachu-ri village and Mr. Kang Sang-Won, Director of the Pyeongtaek Peace Center; Mr.You Young-Jae, Director of the USFK Watch team, SPARK and other SPARK staff members; Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa, Institute for Research for Collaborationist Activities, Jeonjoo, Jeollabuk-do; and Mr. Hong Gi-Ryong, Chairman of the Pan-Island Committee for Prevention of Military Base and for Realization of Island of Peace, Jeju Island, along with other committee members.


You Young-Jae, Director of the USFK Watch team, SPARK had the words to deliver to the people in Okinawa: “We, very supporting our comrades’ struggle, wish your success!

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Gangjeong villagers in the Jeju Island: total 55

1. Jeong Young-Hee, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

2. Jeong Kyung-Bo, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

3. Yoon Sang-Hyo, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

4. Cho Yong-Hoon, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

5. Kang Sung-Bo, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

6. Kang Dong-Kyun, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

7. Kim Gab-Deuk, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

8. Ko Shi-Lim, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

9. Kim Chang-Sun, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

10. Kang Boo-Un, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

11. Kim Jong-Hwan, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

12. Kang Hee-Woong, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

13. Kim Bu-Hyeun, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

14. Kim Choon-Sun, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

15. Cho Kyung-Chul, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

16. Kang Sung-Won, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

17. Kang Chung-Ja, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

18. Hyun Young-Hee, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

19. Go Young-Jin, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

20. Kim Kyung-Ja, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

21. Lee Gwang-Sik, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

22. Pyon Eun-Ja, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

23. Kang Sung-Jin, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

24. Lee Sung-Shin, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

25. Kim Jeom-Mook, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

26. Yoon Kyung-Pil, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

27. Kang Jeong-Geun, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

28. Cho Sung-Am, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

29. Kim Min-Soo, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

30. Moon Sang-Chul, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

31. Hyun Chang-Gi, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

32. Go Gwon-Il, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

33. Go Jong-In, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

34. Yang Yoon-Mo, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

35. Kim Young-Sam, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

36. Go Gyung-Min, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

37. Go Yong-Hee, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

38. Go Min-Gyung, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

39. Byun Soon-Ahn, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

40. Go Sung-Lim, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

41. Moon Young-Sook, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

42. Kim Tae-Hee, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

43. Lee Young-Sook, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

44. Kim Hyun-Soo, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

45. Kim Hyun-Mee, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

46. Kang Young-Ae, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

47. Oh Young-Ja, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

48. Yoon Ok-Soon, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

49. Han Jung-Sook, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

50. Cho Sung-Un, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

51. Yoon Soon-Ja, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

52. Cho Sung-Un, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

53. Yoon Bang-Ja, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

54. Go Seung-Hee, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

55. Oh Seung-Jae, Gangjeong-dong, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

Samsung workers and their colleagues & supporters: total 24

56. Kim Seong-Hwan, Representative, Samsung General Labor Union, Incheon

57. Lim Kyung-Ok, Samsung General Labor Union, Incheon

58. Park Kyung-Ryol, Samsung General Labor Union

59. Kim Gal-Eum, Samsung General Labor Union

60. Kim Hannah, Samsung General Labor Union

61. Kim Dae-Moo, Samsung General Labor Union

62. Jung Ae-Jung, Samsung General Labor Union, Gyunggi-do

63. Lee Yong-Gi, Samsung General Labor Union

64. Park Jong-Tae, Samsung General Labor Union

65. Lee Ji-Hyung, Samsung General Labor Union

66. Kim Soo-Haeng, Samsung General Labor Union

67. Kim Woon-Young, Special Committee for the Reinstatement of the Laid-off Workers, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions

68. Shin Jung-Hyun, Special Committee for the Reinstatement of the Laid-off Workers, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions

69. Kang Sung-Chul, Supporting Committee for the Restrained Workers

70. Lee Kwang-Yeol, Supporting Committee for the Restrained Workers

71. Park Kyung-Suk, Supporting Committee for the Restrained Workers

72. Lim Mi Young, Supporting Committee for Prisoners of Conscience, Seoul

73. Mo Sung-Ryong, Supporting Committee for Prisoners of Conscience, Seoul

74. Kim Jin-Soon, Labor Center

75. Shin Jae-Gul, Labor Center

76. Ha Jong-Gang, Labor Center

77. Kim Seung-Ho, Jeon Tae-Il Labor college

78. Lee Yong-Hee, Jeon Tae-Il Labor college

79. Park Seung-Ho, Jeon Tae-Il Labor college

Daechu-ri villagers and citizens in the City of Pyeongtaek : total 11

80. Shin Jong-Won, Headman of the Deachu-ri village, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

81. Kim Taek-Gyoon, Leader of the New Town (Seamaeul), Deachu-ri village, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

82. Kim Ji-Tae, Ex-Headman of the Deachu-ri village, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

83. Kang Sang-Won, Director of the Pyeongtaek Peace Center, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

84. Kim Jung-Wook, Chairman of Pyeongtaek & Ansung regional branch, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

85. Lee Jong-Gyu, Secretary of the Pyeongtaek Young Korean Academy (Heungsadan), City of Pyeongtaek

86. Park Geum-Seok, Pyeongtaek Regional Council of the Democratic Labor Party, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

87. Kim Yang-Hyun, Representative of the Center for Overcoming Unemployment, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

88. Nam Jung-Soo, Director of the Center for Irregular Workers, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

89. Heo Eun-Jwa, Chairwoman of the Pyeongtaek Women’s Association, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

90. Han Do-Sook, Representative of the Korean People’s Artist Federation in Pyeongtaek, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

Citizens in Jeonjoo: total: 5

91. Lee Jong-Hwa, Institute for Research for Collaborationist Activities, Jeonjoo, Jeollabuk-do

92. Lee Suk-Young, Representative of the Jeollabuk-do Civic Organizations’ Association/ Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Jeonjoo, Jeollabuk-do

93. Ha Yeon-Ho, Chairman of the Jeollabuk-do Regional branch of the Democratic Labor Party, Jeollabuk-do

94. Lee Jae-Ho, Secretary of the Jeonjoo regional branch of the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Jeollabook-do

95. Kim Dae-Seung, Secretary of Iksan Regional Branch of the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

Staffs and members of
the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea: total 11

96. You Young-Jae, Director of the USFK Watch Team, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

97. Kim Jong-Il, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

98. Oh Hye-Ran, Director of Peace & Disarmament Team, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

99. Cho Seung-Hyun, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

100. Park Suk-Boon, Director of Member Management Team, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

101. Kim Young-Je, Director of Labor Matter Team, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

102. Joo Jung-Sook, Co-Representative of the Bucheon regional branch, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Bucheon

103. Shin Jung-Gil, Co-Representative of the Bucheon regional branch, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Bucheon

104. Kim Hyun-Sook, Secretary of the Bucheon regional branch, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Bucheon

105. Hyun Ho-Heon, Secretary of the South Gyeonggi-do regional branch, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Pyeongtaek

106. Kim Pan-Tae, Secretary of the Gunsan regional branch, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do

Other individuals: total 16

107. Joo, Byung-Joon, Chairman, Ohyun-ri Villiage People’s Committee against the Expansion of the Mugeon-ri Military Training Fields, Paju, Gyunggi-do

108. Bae Yoo-Mee, Department of International Cooperation and Missionary Works, The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea, Seoul

109. Dr. Kim Seung-Kuk, Representative of the Peace Making, Seoul

110. Choe Sang-Cheol, Workers' Institute of Social Science (WISSK), Seoul

111. Pyon Yeon-Shik, Chairperson, Korean Catholic Federation for Justice

112. Kang Byung Yong, Pan Korean Association For Reconciliation (MINHWARYON)

113. Kim Hwan-Young, Secretary of Veterans for Peace, Corea

114. Kim Maria, Coordinator, Peace Network, Seoul

115. Lee Je-Young, Coordinator, Peace Network, Seoul

116. Cheong Wooksik, Representative, Peace Network

117. Lee Tae-Ho, People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), Deputy secretary general

118. Hyun Ae-Ja, Member of the 17th National Assembly, City Of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

119. Lee Kyung-Won, The Southern Headquarter of Pan Korean Alliance for Reunification, Seoul

120. Won Jin-Wook, The Southern Headquarter of Pan Korean Alliance for Reunification, Seoul

121. Choi Eun-A, Korean Alliance of Progressive Movements

122. Park Suk-Jin, Seoul

123. Choi Sung-Hee, Incheon

Organizations: Total 18

124. Gangjeong Village People’s Council, City of Seogwipo, Jeju Island

125. Workers' Institute of Social Science (WISSK), Seoul

126. Bucheon regional branch, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Bucheon

127. Jeju Solidarity for Participatory Self-Government & Environmental Preservation, Jeju Island

128. Korea Federation for Environmental Movement of Jeju, Jeju Island

129. Jeju Association for Women’s Rights, Jeju Island

130. Jeju Human Rights, Jeju Island

131. Jeju regional branch of the Korean Women Peasant Association, Jeju Island

132. Pan-Island Committee for Prevention of Military Base and for Realization of Island of Peace, Jeju Island

133. Pyeongtaek Peace Center, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

134. Pyeongtaek /Ansung regional branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions

135. Pyeongtaek regional branch of Young Korean Academy (Heungsadan), Pyeongtaek

136. Pyeongtaek Regional Council of the Democratic Labor Party, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

137. Center for Overcoming Unemployment, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

138. Center for Irregular Workers, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

139. Pyeongtaek Peasants’ Association, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

140. Pyeongtaek Women’s Association, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do

141. Korean People’s Artist Federation in Pyeongtaek, Pyeongtaek, Gyunggi-do


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오키나와를 위한 한국인 연대 서명자들, 2011년 1월 8일

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아래 123명의 개인들과 18개 단체들, 합계 141 서명인들이 ‘타카에의 미 해병대 헬리콥터 발착장 증설과 후텐마 기지를 헤노코로 이전하는 것에 반대하는 오키나와인들의 투쟁을 지지하는 한국인들의 연대 성명서’에 서명했습니다. 서명은 2011년 1월 4일 부터 1월 7일 사이 모아졌습니다.

123 개인 서명자 개요입니다:

제주도 강정 마을 주민분들: 총 55명
삼성 노동자분들과 동료분들 및 지지자분들: 총 24명
대추리 주민분들과 평택 시 시민분들: 총 11명
평화와 통일을 여는 사람들 간부분들 및 회원분들: 총 11명
전주 시민분들: 총 5명
그 외 개인들: 총 17명

단체들: 총 18개

123 개인들과 18 단체들

합계: 141 서명

아래의 분들께서 서명을 모으는데 고맙게 협력해주셨습니다.

강동균 강정 마을회 회장님과 고권일 선생님, 강정 마을 주민분들; 삼성 일반 노조 김성환 위원장님; 대추리 마을 신종원 이장님과 평택 평화 센터 강상원 소장님; 평통사 유영재 미군 문제 팀장님과 여러 평통사 간부분들; 전라북도 전주 민족 문제 연구소 이종화 선생님; 제주 군사 기지 저지와 평화의 섬 실현을 위한 범도민 대책위 홍기룡 위원장님 과 범대위 위원분들.

평통사 유영재 처장님께서 오키나와의 분들께 이렇게 말을 전하셨습니다: “동지들의 투쟁을 적극 지지하며 승리를 바랍니다.”

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제주도 강정 마을 주민분들: 총 55명

1. 정영희, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

2. 정경보, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

3. 윤상효, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

4. 조용훈, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

5. 강성보, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

6. 강동균, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

7. 김갑득, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

8. 고시림, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

9. 김창선, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

10. 강부언, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

11. 김종환, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

12. 강희웅, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

13. 김부현, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

14. 김춘선, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

15. 조경철, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

16. 강성원, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

17. 강청자, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

18. 현영희, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

19. 고영진, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

20. 김경자, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

21. 이광식, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

22. 편은자, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

23. 강성진, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

24. 이성신, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

25. 김점묵, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

26. 윤경필, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

27. 강정근, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

28. 조성암, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

29. 김민수, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

30. 문상철, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

31. 현창기, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

32. 고권일, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

33. 고종인, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

34. 양윤모, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

35. 김영삼, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

36. 고경민, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

37. 고용희, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

38. 고민경, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

39. 변순안, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

40. 고성림, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

41. 문영숙, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

42. 김태희, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

43. 이영숙, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

44. 김현수, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

45. 김현미, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

46. 강영애, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

47. 오영자, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

48. 윤옥순, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

49. 한정숙, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

50. 조성언, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

51. 윤순자, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

52. 조성언, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

53. 윤방자, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

54. 고승희, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

55. 오승재, 제주도 서귀포 강정 마을

삼성 노동자분들, 그 동료분들 및 지지자분들: 총 24명

56. 김성환, 삼성일반노조 대표, 인천

57. 임경옥, 삼성일반노조, 인천

58. 박경렬, 삼성일반노조

59. 김갈음, 삼성일반노조

60. 김한나, 삼성일반노조

61. 김대무, 삼성일반노조

62. 정애정, 삼성일반노조, 경기도

63. 이용기, 삼성일반노조

64. 박종태, 삼성일반노조

65. 이지형, 삼성일반노조

66. 김수행, 삼성일반노조

67. 김운영, 전국민주노동조합총연맹 해고자복직투쟁특별위원회(전해투)

68. 신정현, 전국민주노동조합총연맹 해고자복직투쟁특별위원회(전해투)

69. 강성철, 구속노동자회

70. 이광열, 구속노동자회

71. 박경석, 구속노동자회

72. 임미경, 양심수후원회, 서울

73. 모성룡, 양심수후원회, 서울

74. 김진순, 노동센타

75. 신재걸, 노동센타

76. 하종강, 노동센타

77. 김승호, 전태일노동대학

78. 이용희, 전태일노동대학

79. 박승호, 전태일노동대학

대추리 주민분들과 평택 시민분들: 총 11명

80. 신종원, 평택 대추리 이장

81. 김택균, 평택 대추리 새마을 지도자

82. 김지태, 평택 대추리 전 이장

83. 강상원, 평택 평화 센터 감독, 평택

84. 김정욱, 민주 노총 평택/안성 지부장, 평택

85. 이종규, 평택 흥사단 사무 처장, 평택

86. 박금석, 민주 노동당 평택시 위원회, 평택

87. 김양현, 실업 극복 평택 센터 대표, 평택

88. 남정수, 평택 비정규 센터 소장, 평택

89. 허은좌, 평택 여성회 회장, 평택

90. 한도숙, 평택 민족 예술인 총연합 대표, 평택

전주 시민분들: 총 5

91. 이종화, 민족 문제 연구소, 전주

92. 이석영, 전라 북도 시민 단체 대표/ 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 전주

93. 하연호, 민주 노동당 전라북도 위원장, 전북

94. 이재호, 전라북도 전주 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들 사무 국장, 전북

95. 김대승, 익산 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들 사무 국장, 전북

평화와 통일을 여는 사람들 간부분들 및 회원분들: 총 11명

96. 유영재, 평화와통일을여는사람들 미군문제팀장

97. 김종일, 평화와통일을여는사람들

98. 오혜란, 평화와통일을여는사람들 평화군축 팀장

99. 조승현, 평화와통일을여는사람들

100. 박석분, 평화와통일을여는사람들 회원 사업 팀장

101. 김영제, 평화와통일을여는사람들 노동 팀장

102. 주정숙, 부천 평화와통일을여는사람들 공동 대표, 부천

103. 신정길, 부천 평화와통일을여는사람들 공동 대표, 부천

104. 김현숙, 부천 평화와통일을여는사람들 사무 국장, 부천

105. 현호헌, 경기 남부 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들 사무 국장, 평택

106. 김판태, 군산 평화와 통일을여는사람들 사무 국장, 전라 북도 군산

그 외 개인들 : 총 17명

107. 주병준, 무건리 훈련장 확장 반대 주민 대책위 위원장, 경기도 파주시 오현리

108. 배유미, 한국기독교장로회총회 국제협력선교부, 서울

109. 김승국, 평화만들기, 서울

110. 최상철, 노동 사회 과학 연구소, 서울

111. 변연식, 천주교 정의 구현 전국 연합 상임대표

112. 강병용, 민족 화합 운동 연합

113. 김환영, 평화 재향 군인회, 서울

114. 김마리아, 평화 넷트 워크 간사, 서울

115. 이제영, 평화 넷트 워크 간사, 서울

116. 정욱식, 평화 넷트 워크, 서울

117. 이태호, 참여 연대 협동 사무 처장

118. 현애자, 17대 국회 의원, 제주도 서귀포

119. 이경원, 조국통일범민족연합 남측본부, 서울

120. 원진욱, 조국통일범민족연합 남측본부, 서울

121. 최은아, 한국 진보 연대

122. 박석진, 서울

123. 최성희, 인천

단체들: 총 18개

124. 강정 마을회, 제주도 서귀포 시

125. 노동 사회 과학 연구소, 서울

126. 부천 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 부천

127. 제주 참여 환경 연대, 제주도

128. 제주 환경 운동 연합, 제주도

129. 제주 여성 인권 연대, 제주도

130. 제주 평화 인권 센터, 제주도

131. 제주 여성 농민회, 제주도

132. 제주 군사 기지 저지와 평화의 섬 실현을 위한 범도민 대책 위원회, 제주도

133. 평택 평화 센터, 경기도 평택

134. 민주 노총 평택/안성 지부, 경기도 평택

135. 평택 흥사단, 경기도 평택

136. 민주 노동당 평택시 위원회, 경기도 평택

137. 실업 극복 평택 센터, 경기도 평택

138. 평택 비정규 센터, 경기도 평택

139. 평택 농민회, 경기도 평택

140. 평택 여성회, 경기도 평택

141. 평택 민족 예술인 총연합, 경기도 평택

Text Fwd: South Korean supreme court made a decision of 1.2 billion won indemnity to the residents nearby the Pyeongtaek U. S. base

* Below is the arbitrary translation of an article forwarded in the Pyeongtaek Peace Center on Dec. 27, 2010(click)
* 아래는 평택 평화 센터에 실려 있는 기사, '[소식]평택미군기지 인근지역 주민에게 12억 배상판결'를 자의적으로 번역한 것입니다(클릭)

South Korean supreme court made a decision of 1.2 billion won indemnity to the residents nearby the Pyeongtaek U. S. base

On Dec. 23, The supreme court made a finishing point to the five years long lawsuit by making a court decision on the lawsuit for indemnity on the noise damage, which 677 personnel including Mr. Shin Yong-Jo have filed against South Korean government.

The local residents nearby Pyeongtaek U. S. air base have filed lawsuit against the South Korean government on the noise damage last 2005. Even though there was the 2nd court review decision last January, 2009, the government that was the defendant filed an appeal [to the Supreme Court]. However the Supreme Court dismissed the [government] appeal therefore the decision of the High Court became the last court decision.

The Supreme court premising that if the nose damage that had been caused by the U.S. military’s flight training such as fighter plane and helicopter in installing and managing the K55 air field (Pyeongtaek U.S. air base) and K6 air field(Camp Humphreys) located in the City of Pyeongtaek was beyond acceptable limit for the nearby residents, it should be considered as there had been flaws in the installation and management of the air field therefore the government (the defendant)was responsible for indemnity of damage according to the article 23 of the ‘Agreement under Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, Regarding Facilities and Areas and the Status of United States Armed Forces in the Republic of Korea’, clause 2 of the article 2 of the special law on the civil case regarding the execution of the Status Of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and clause 1of the article 5 of the Law on the National indemnity, judged that the K55 violated law in case of its WECPNL( weighted equivalent continuous perceived noise level) being higher than 80 and the K6, in case of its Ldn being higher than 70, being over the normally beared limit.

The court defined the indemnity cost of 30,000 won for a month for a resident in the area of 80WECPNL to less than 90 80WECPN, and of 45,000won for a month for a resident in the area of 90WECPNL to less than 95WECPNL, in case of the nearby areas of the K55. It also defined the indemnity cost of 30,000 won for a month for a resident in the area of 70 Ldn to less than 75 Ldn, while 45,000 won, in the area of 75 Ldn to less than 70 Ldn, in case of K6.

The court defined the indemnity term by actual residence term but excluded the terms of military enlist and college class and applied the indemnity cost by reduction of 30%, principally according to the fault supremum , in case of the residents living since 1991. However, it did not apply reduction in case of birth, minor and marriage.

The total indemnity cost is 1,217,000,000 won and the government should provide the plaintiffs indemnity cost annually 5% from Dec. 2, 2008 to Jan. 14, 2009, while annually 20% from the next day [of Jan. 14, 2009] to the day it all pays back.

The lawsuit has been taken charged by the board of attorneys, belonging to Jung Pyeong, in the attorneys’ Council for the Democratic Society. As there is another lawsuit being moored in the High Court and having been submitted by 13,000 people beside 677 people who were made decision with damage reparation by the Supreme court decision this time, it is expected that the Supreme court decision [on Dec. 23 ] would make not a little influence in the forthcoming court decision.

Text Fwd: 12/6 Ann Arbor UAW demonstration organized by in support of striking precarious workers at Hyundai plant in Korea 미국 미시간 노동자들, 현대 파업 노동자들 지지

* Image & caption source: Wall Street Journal

'Bloomberg News
'A worker inspects vehicles intended for export at the Port of Pyeongtaek in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in March.'

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* Text thankfully forwarded from Steve Zeltzer and then, Lotus Fong on Dec. 4, 2010

United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
12/6 Ann Arbor UAW demonstration organized by in support of striking precarious workers at Hyundai plant in Korea
Dec. 3, 2010

Precarious workers, known in the United States as temporary or contract workers, at the Hyundai Motor Company in Ulsan, South Korea, have been engaged in a sit-in strike since Nov. 15 when the subcontractor who employed them announced the business was closing and Hyundai was terminating the contract. Hyundai insisted that it would it not directly hire the workers, and in addition, the workers would only be rehired by the new subcontracting company if they withdrew their membership in the union. The strike began when company thugs attacked protesting workers and prevented them from going to their workplace.

The UAW fully supports the strike by Hyundai precarious workers and plans to show solidarity for the courageous workers through a peaceful demonstration at the Hyundai America Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.

Plagued by unfair dismissals and miserably low wages, precarious workers are now shutting down assembly lines to voice their discontent. The occupation of a seat-making plant has resulted in losses by the company totaling $173 million as of Dec. 2. Mainly affected is production of the recently unveiled Hyundai Accent. Countless pre-orders on this new sub-compact vehicle have now been left unfilled.

Over one-fifth of Hyundai workers are hired on a temporary basis, often by false subcontractors in order to circumvent the higher pay scales and benefits enjoyed by those directly contracted by Hyundai. A July 22 ruling by the Supreme Court of Korea deemed this practice illegal, thereby mandating that precarious workers be offered secure positions through permanent contracts.
Hyundai has refused to comply with this decision, and the UAW now seeks to remind South Korea’s most profitable automaker that labor standards are not open to conjecture.

“Precarious workers should be treated the in the same manner and have the full rights of regular Hyundai workers. The UAW and our sister unions around the globe will be standing with these workers until Hyundai stops the violence and repression of these workers and recognizes them as regular Hyundai workers,” said UAW President Bob King. King will be traveling to Korea next week to show solidarity with the workers’ struggle.
“Hyundai is a very successful, profitable company and it is a moral outrage that instead of including workers in the success of the company, they are keeping more than 8,000 workers at poverty level wages and in complete uncertainty for themselves and their families. We join the Korean Metal Workers Union in demanding that Hyundai immediately hire these workers as full-time Hyundai employees and ask that all people of conscience join us in this demand,” King added.

Since the July ruling, precarious workers have joined the Korean Metal Workers’ Union (KMWU) in large numbers in a push to demand ethical treatment. As of Dec. 1 the powerful labor organization has joined the strike of precarious workers, putting increased pressure on the company to reform its practices.

Monday’s demonstration will feature a speech on the importance of global solidarity by UAW President Bob King, and a vigil to show support for Korean workers.

Who: UAW and community members in solidarity with precarious workers in Korea
What: Demonstration in support of Hyundai temporary workers on strike in Korea
Where: Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., 6800 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48198
When: Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at 4 p.m.

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See also

People's Solidarity for Social Progress
Illegal Dispatch, Labor Flexibilization and the Hyundai Irregular Workers Strike
Wol-san Liem, Researcher
Research Institute for Alternative Workers Movements
23 November 2010

Freep.com
UAW to rally for striking Hyundai workers
By BRENT SNAVELY
Free Press Business Writer
( * Text informed Steve Zeltzer and then Lotus Fong on Dec. 5, 2010)

Hankyoreh
KORUS FTA finalized after prolonged renegotiations
Dec. 4, 2010

Wall Street Journal
U.S. Sets Sweeping New Deal on Trade
Dec. 3, 2010
(* Text thankfully forwarded by Steve Zeltzer and then, Lotus Fong on Dec. 3, 2010)

New York Times
South Korea and U.S. Reach Deal on Trade
By SEWELL CHAN
Published: December 3, 2010
(* Text thankfully forwarded by Steve Zeltzer and then, Lotus Fong on Dec. 5, 2010)

Times
President “Pleased” with U.S., SoKo Trade Deal
Friday, December 3, 2010
(* Text thankfully forwarded by Lotus Fong on Dec. 5, 2010)

Photos Fwd:[SPARK] Stop the ROK-US joint drill with a nuclear aircraft carrier

Sign for the Peace Treaty!(click)

Action Alert – Online Demonstration for Peace in Korea(click)

Stop the War Provocations and Attacks on the DPRK!(click)

* Image source: Google (China Daily, Aug. 5, 2010)

* Image source: China Daily, Aug. 04, 2010

* Image source: China Daily, Nov. 26, 2010

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* All the source of the below images: Two sites of the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea(SPARK) on Nov. 28 and 29, 2010. Click HERE and HERE(last photo).

* See also China Daily, Nov. 29, 2010

* 아래는 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들 사이트에서 퍼온 것입니다 (여기와 여기 클릭)

* Summary translation of the report in the link is below all the photos.

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Stop the ROK-US joint drill with a nuclear aircraft carrier
that would bring confrontation and retaliation

Press interview in front of the 2nd Fleet Command headquarter, Pyeongtaek
Nov. 28, 2010
Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

..............................................................................................................

Activists from the SPARK, KAPM and Democratic Labor Party
in Bieungdo, Kunsan

Stop the war exercise!
Stop the ROK-US joint war drill being mobilized with a nuclear aircraft carrier
that instigates a war in the Korean peninsula!

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Summary translation of the report in the link

While the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George Washington has joined the ROK-US joint war drill from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, about 30 activists from the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea (SPARK), South Gyunngi-do branch of the SPARK, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Korean Alliance of Progressive Movements (KAPM) and Gyunggi branch of the KAPM have held the press interview against the joint war drill being mobilized of the nuclear aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, gathering in front of the 2nd Fleet Command headquarter of Pyeongtaek, at 11am, Nov. 28, 2010.

Oh Hye-Ran, Director of Peace Disarmament Team, SPARK said the joint ROK-US war drill in the West Sea (Yellow Sea) this time being mobilized with a nuclear air craft carrier USS George Washington was being staged by going northward even near to Pyeongtaek for the first time in history and its attack range would include not to mention all the areas of North Korea but also the northeastern area of China. She told that even F-22 and RC-135 were mobilized for the drill this time and denounced the drill saying that having a war drill mobilized with the most high-tech war powers of army, navy, air from the ROK and US itself draws the Korean peninsula into the danger of full scale war.

(* See the Korean organizations’ joint statement on Nov. 26, 2010: click)

Mentioning the interviews by the Yeonpyeong residents who have said that they could not stay any more due to the ROK-US war drill with a nuclear aircraft carrier, she urged the South and North to enter for the measure for peace by the ways of dialogue and negotiation, while the related countries of the U.S. and China doing that, too.

Lee Kyu-Jae, Chairman of the Pan-Korean Alliance of Reunification, South Korean branch denounced the U.S. government to draw a nuclear aircraft carrier, while the United States had the original responsibility for Korean’s division. He strongly criticized the Lee Myung Bak government’s hostile policy against North Korea, saying if the Lee Myung Bak government had kept the measures during Roh Moo-Hyun government who had declared the special and cooperation area in the West Sea and defined the peaceful fishing area, there could have not been such incident on the Yeonpyeong Island on Nov. 23. He also urged the Lee Myung Bak government to enter for the peace dialogue with North Korea.

(* Refer to this blog for more on the ‘special and cooperation area in the West Sea: click’)

Otherwise, the Kunsan, Jeonjoo and Iksan branches of the SPARK, Jeonbook branch of the SPARK and Jeonbook branch of the Democratic Labor Part also held the press interview in the Bieungdo of Kunsan. (last photo)

Text Fwd: 'No waver in commitment to security of S. Korea' 남한의 안보에 대한 사명감에 어떠한 지연도 없을 것(*오바마)

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* It is remarkable in the sense that at least two articles report about the U.N. Security Council's publication of North Korean nuclear activity on Nov. 9. See the Washington Post(click) and Washington times(click) both of which were informed from the Defense News letter on Nov. 10 and 11. Question is why the council is reporting it this time.. yes, timing. One cannot bust ask with Hillary Clinton's provocative words while she is touring the region of Asia, as well.
Please also see the Korean SPARK activist's position prior to the ROK-US summit meeting on Nov. 11.
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* Image & caption source: same as the link

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to troops serving at the Yongsan military base in Seoul, Thursday. He urged North Korea to stop being provocative and take another path toward peace and prosperity. / Joint Press Corps

Korea Times
11-11-2010
'No waver in commitment to security of S. Korea'
By Jung Sung-ki


Obama arrived in Seoul Wednesday to attend the G20 Summit.

The day also marked Veterans’ Day in the U.S.

[...]

This was Obama’s second town hall meeting-like event with U.S. troops on the peninsula. He addressed troops at Osan Air Base during his visit to South Korea last November.

“Sixty years have come and gone since the communist armies first crossed the 38th parallel. Within three days, they had captured Seoul,” he said. “By the end of the next month, they had driven the Korean army all the way south, to Busan. And from where things stood in the summer of 1950, it didn’t appear that the Republic of Korea would survive much longer.

“Nearly 37,000 Americans would give their lives in Korea. But after three years of fighting, our forces finally succeeded in driving the invading armies back over the 38th parallel.”

The U.S. Commander-in-chief called on Pyongyang to take a different path of offering its people lives of growing opportunity instead of crushing poverty.
“The United States will never waver in our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea,” he said. “The alliance between our two nations has never been stronger, and along the with the rest of the world, we have made it clear that North Korea’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons will only lead to more isolation and less security.
“Today, the Korean peninsula provides the world’s clearest contrast between a society that is open and one that is closed; between a nation that is dynamic and growing, and a government that would rather starve its people than change,” Obama said. “It’s a contrast so stark you can see it from space, as the brilliant lights of Seoul give way to utter darkness in the north. This is not an accident of history. It is a direct result of the path that has been taken by North Korea ― a path of confrontation and provocation; one that includes the pursuit of nuclear weapons and the attack on the Cheonan last March.”

In the wake of this aggression, Pyongyang should not be taken for granted, he stressed.
gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr