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Commentary article, The gig's up.

The gig's up

These days I keep the windows in my apartment in northern Seoul open. Even while typing this I keep turning my head checking the skyline outside for signs of flying missiles, a mushroom cloud, or maybe a blimp with Kim Jong-Il pictured next to the words: “Heavenly leader approaching. Internet service will be discontinued soon.”

Local and foreign news agencies have been reporting on the North’s recent shenanigans with a troubling zealousness. But even the most comprehensive reports on the recent nuclear test, short-range missile launches and quotes of impending Armageddon do not answer the thought on almost every foreigner in Korea’s mind: Should we be worried? Because the Korean’s clearly aren’t.

A shoulder shrug and “Why would they hurt us? They need Seoul,” has been the standard reaction from South Korean’s on the North’s threatening acts since I came here more than a year ago.

According to Korean’s I talked to, we should be more worried about the Israeli’s and their nukes.
For many South Korean’s the threats from the North are just that – empty threats. They are trying to establish a place for themselves in world affairs. They want to show the world that they are not just a nation blindly following ‘lunatic’ politicians, as so often described in international media. And they’re doing this by showing off probably the only thing they have – military power.

A handy distraction
I asked one of my South Korean colleagues whether she’s worried about what the North might do. “Not at all,” she said. “North Korea is a country that has the right to build up its defensive power.”

She also said many Koreans believe the mass media is blowing the situation with North Korea out of proportion to distract public opinion from domestic problems.

It might be that locally this news (and also reports on the spread of swine flu infections in South Korea) could distract people’s attention from South Korean president Roh Moon-Hyun’s suicide over the weekend. It was expected that news of his death would lead to candlelit vigils that in turn might lead to protest marches and rallies in Seoul. Something the current government would like to avoid, especially after such marches last year against American beef imports turned into violent anti-government protests.

Last night about 30 South Korean soldiers armed with rifles patrolled the streets in my part of town while civilian Koreans casually went about their business of walking, talking and shopping.

I anxiously asked a Korean friend whether this military presence should worry me. Is it because they expect North Korea to strike? “Oh no, it has nothing to do with North Korea.” It’s to make sure no one causes trouble after Roh’s suicide.

Nukes are a cover
The South’s rumoured use of the media, begs the question: Is the North doing the same?

The last time Kim Jong-Il was seen by the outside world, he looked thin and ill despite government reports of his good health. It might be that the “we will make war if you don’t listen” strategy is a ruse to keep everyone looking the other way, while one of Kim Jong-Il’s sons steps up to lead the country. We probably won’t know until it’s done.

Bark or bite?
But how long and hard should North Korea kick and scream and throw its toys out of the cot before anyone will listen? They have threatened to pull out of international nuclear disarmament talks. And then they did.

North Korea said that they have the same right to self-protection as any other country. And there they went and test-fired a nuclear weapon and a couple of missiles.

Then they threatened to re-start the production of weapons-grade plutonium. According to reports the main nuclear facility in North Korea might be up and running again.

And for a long time now, they’ve told South Korea that membership in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a campaign to prevent the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction will be tantamount to a declaration of war.

Today (May 27) the South Korean government announced they will definitely be joining the PSI. Shortly after, North Korea reportedly threatened with military action and announced that it has abandoned the truce struck with the South after the Korean War in 1950.

These acts only make the question, “Should we be worried?” so much more relevant. Unfortunately, the North is, as my Korean colleague said, “like a rugby ball. You don’t know where it will jump next”.

Has the North’s bark finally gone over to bite? Who knows, but I do think it’s time to start practicing the old ‘duck and cover’ move.

Read original at http://www.news24.com/Content/MyNews24/YourStory/1162/c0ba554110f84f099c8fa8cfe9a84e45/28-05-2009%2012-05/The_gigs_up