I disagree with Blackwell that South Korea is not a valuable US ally, but there’s no denying that they rarely act like it. South Koreans hate two countries with fanatical passion – Japan and the United States. The never ending controversy regarding Dokdo and the 2002 armor vehicle accident, or even the recent “mad cow disease from us beef” hysteria provide a glimpse of their disturbing brand of nationalism. With a dangerous “sibling” developing nuclear ambitions right above them, you’d think S.Korea have an incentive to seek closer relationship with two of their (de facto) closest allies, but their public often regard them as mortal enemies.
But I’m not particularly confident that South Korea can capably defend themselves, even if they “manned” up. They couldn’t do it 50 years ago, and they probably can’t do it now. In fact, the Lee Myung Bak admin shouldn’t even think about going “solo”. That’d be a disaster. I have friends and siblings living in Korea. They still need our help, though ingrates they are occasionally.
I like president Lee, especially after the disappointing Roh Moo Hyun (rest in peace). I really hope he does urge Obama to take a tougher stance with North Korea.
Did Kim young Sam urge Clinton to take out Kim’s regime? I don’t think I’ve heard of this. I know Kim Dae Jung, his succesor, helped bring about the dubious “sunshine” policy with North Korea.
South Korea – a country still wating for their first great president.
