Chun In-bum
Koreans have a unique language and alphabet central to their cultural identity. Geographically, the Korean Peninsula serves as a bridge between mainland China and the islands of Japan, linking oceans and continents.
Historically, this strategic location placed Korea in a precarious position, often resulting in Korea becoming a vassal state to the dominant Chinese dynasty of the time, a situation that was never satisfactory to Koreans.
With the end of World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation but subsequently divided into North and South Korea. Within five years, a civil war ensued, resulting in the death of 10 percent of the Korean population and the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) under the Kim-cult dynasty.
The DPRK is unique in its strict caste system centered around the Kim family, with a political ideology that deifies the Kims. The regime maintains power through extensive indoctrination and a focus on loyalty to the Kim family.
In contrast, South Korea has developed into a liberal democracy, standing in stark opposition to the DPRK's regime. Following the Korean War, both Koreas engaged in frequent conflicts for about twenty years. Since the mid-1970s, efforts have been made to reconcile differences peacefully, but these efforts have consistently failed, leaving the peninsula facing the threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea. South Korea, while committed to its security, cannot match the DPRK's militarization and relies heavily on the United States for deterrence against North Korean aggression and potential Chinese pressures. This alliance has allowed South Korea to achieve economic prosperity and political freedom while the U.S. gains a reliable ally that exemplifies successful U.S. foreign policy.
However, the U.S. military presence, while providing stability, has also led to a sense of complacency among South Koreans regarding their own defense responsibilities. This dependency is not ideal for any nation and poses long-term strategic risks, including diminished national sovereignty and the potential erosion of military readiness and innovation.
Recently, some potential U.S. policymakers have suggested shifting U.S. policy focus on the Korean peninsula from the defense of Korea to countering China, implying that South Korea should assume greater responsibility for its own defense, which is reasonable, but it sounded like abandonment. This notion has raised concerns, leading some South Koreans to consider developing their own nuclear weapons. While understandable, it is crucial to recognize that nuclear armament alone will not resolve all security challenges for South Korea.
The real challenge for South Korea is to take full responsibility for its security, which will require significant sacrifices in social and political freedoms. This includes potentially doubling or tripling defense spending, extending military service terms and incorporating women into the armed forces. Additionally, South Korea may need a nuclear deterrent to counter North Korean threats effectively. Such measures would also necessitate a robust public discourse on the implications of increased militarization and the balance between security and civil liberties.
If the U.S. intends to loosen its military ties with South Korea, it should acknowledge South Korea's right to consider nuclear capabilities. North Korea's nuclear status and open threats justify this consideration. A nuclear-armed South Korea would challenge the existing non-proliferation framework, but the Non-Proliferation Treaty may already be losing its effectiveness in addressing contemporary security challenges posed by rogue states and non-state actors.
There could also be strategic advantages for the U.S.-South Korea relationship. The U.S. could negotiate with North Korea on nuclear issues and normalization of relations, influencing China's strategic calculations. A nuclear-armed South Korea would also compel China to reassess its regional strategies, particularly concerning Japan and Taiwan. Despite possessing nuclear weapons, South Korea would likely remain closely aligned with the U.S., given the deep-rooted economic, political and cultural ties between the two nations.
The political systems in both South Korea and the U.S. provide both opportunities and uncertainties. Actions and decisions by the U.S. and China will significantly impact South Korea's future, raising concerns among Koreans about being sidelined. It is imperative for South Korea to confront these realities, overcome fears, and make decisive choices on critical security matters. Furthermore, South Korea must proactively engage in regional diplomacy to build a coalition of like-minded nations that can collectively address the threats posed by North Korea and maintain regional stability.
Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general of the ROK Army and commander of Special Forces Korea.
South Korea's increasing need for self-defense
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13.05.2024
Chun In-bum
Koreans have a unique language and alphabet central to their cultural identity. Geographically, the Korean Peninsula serves as a bridge between mainland China and the islands of Japan, linking oceans and continents.
Historically, this strategic location placed Korea in a precarious position, often resulting in Korea becoming a vassal state to the dominant Chinese dynasty of the time, a situation that was never satisfactory to Koreans.
With the end of World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation but subsequently divided into North and South Korea. Within five years, a civil war ensued, resulting in the death of 10 percent of the Korean population and the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) under the Kim-cult dynasty.
The DPRK is unique in its strict caste system centered around the Kim family, with a political ideology that deifies the Kims. The regime maintains power through extensive indoctrination and a focus on loyalty to the Kim family.
In contrast, South Korea has developed into a liberal democracy, standing in stark opposition to the DPRK's regime. Following the Korean War, both Koreas engaged in frequent conflicts for about twenty years. Since the........
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