Korean Job Discussion Forums

[adventureman]

As an offshot of the anti-american thread, just how unappreciateative are the younger generation of Koreans for what America has done for their country in the past? Nowadays, it is obvious that most Koreans under the age of 40 only regard America in a negative light. When I am confronted with the usual brainless herd-mentality "Bush bad! Iraq bad!" rhetoric I am always quick to point out that the Korean war and the fact that 30,000 America lives were sacrificied on their soil. Maybe somebody we can all hope these spoiled whiny brats will look up from their and compact mirrors and handphones for just enough time to wise up a smidge to actually and count their blessings and realize what an asset America has actually been for them in the past. Yeah and maybe then hell will freeze over as well.

[Gwangjuboy]

It's difficult to steer nationalist/bigoted minds in the right direction. Frankly, I don't see any reasons for the large anti-US sentiment in the country. A prostitute is raped by an US soldier, two middle school girls are judged to have been accidentally killed by a court the Korean government recognised as legitimate, and a gold medal was awarded to an American ice skater because the Korean ice skater had as much coordination as a blind Korean taxi driver.

Of course, these aren't grounds for such hatred but amazingly the anti-US demonstrators give these issues prominance above all others. I have always wanted to conduct a survey of the anti-US demonstrators along the lines of "how many anti-North Korean protests have you participated in?" After all, considering the protests against the US army for accidentally killing two middle school girls can you imagine the reaction if the US was starving a few million Koreans only a couple of hundred kilometres North of Seoul?

If I was an American I would say "have your two middle school students back, but we want our 50,000 troops back from the dead too!" We all know that there wouldn't be a cell phone yapping Korea if this deal was made. Hypocrites.

[seoulunitarian]

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

[Real Reality]

[Homer]

[osangrl]

The South Korean perception of The United States Forces in Korea is an important issue to ensure smooth relations between the two countries. The country seems to be divided into two very distinct groups of public opinion on the matter. On one side there is the older generation of Koreans. These are the people that value the social and economic prosperity of the republic. They remember the Korean War, the remnants of it and the United States' involvement in their safety, security and continued protection here on the peninsula. On the other hand, there is a large and growing anti-American sentiment that continues to cause friction between the two countries. It is this group, largely made up of the younger generation that supports the reunification of the North and South. Rather than viewing the U.S as protectors, they view USFK as a barrier to the reconciliation of the two countries. By examining these two groups we can see how such conflicting views strongly affect the stability of the long time alliance between South Korea and the United States.

With anti-Americanism on the up rise within the Korean peninsula, it is important first to look at those who see the South Korea and U.S alliance in a positive manner, to grasp the history that holds the two allies together. The Koreans who respect the alliance, remember the American sacrifice made for the sake of their freedom. They often see the younger generation as naive and even ignorant about their countries bitter war history. It is this group that believes that it is their national interests that must take priority over Korean nationalism. Instead of reunification high on their agenda, they want to protect their countries economic stability and growth. They value the working democracy and the maintenance of their human rights. It is these interests that many Koreans feel the U.S and ROK alliance has done well to protect.
Since the end of the Korean War, the U.S has held an alliance with South Korea, supporting the country both economically and militarily. South Korea has had difficult economic times since it regained its independence after the Korean War. The south has endured years of poor leadership, faulty capitalism and of course the IMF crash in the late 1990's. Despite all of this, South Korea has made a lot of economic progress. Through it all, the U.S government has been there to guarantee their security and survival in such difficult times. The Clinton administration supported South Korea in a substantial IMF bailout. Also, instead investing on military build up, the South Koreans prioritized economic issues and have enjoyed a better economy because of this choice. Considering that "the ROK has about 24 times the GDP of North Korea, South Korea has twice the North's population, the ability to borrow heavily in international markets and extensive high-tech industries" (Bandow,Doug,03/01/99,pg.2) it is evident here that this economic strategy has worked immensely for the South Korean people.
Along with financial help, South Korea is also an American defense dependent. "Americans spend as much to defend the ROK--about $15,000,000,000 annually-- as the South Koreans do (Bandow, Doug, 03/01/99,pg.1). Because of this, many argue that it has held the south back from their own independence and as real player in the international market. It also can be argued that the financial aid given by the U.S government is essential to sustain the strong military partnership, "if we don't lead on economic issues, we won't be able to lead on other issues" ( Bandow, Doug, 03/01/99,pg.1). It is obvious that the financial and military support go hand in hand in this alliance. Without U.S military support, South Korea could not have achieved the economic prosperity it has today. Whatever the case, it is clear that the older generation respects the U.S commitment to their country, and realizes the importance of the security and financial ties, to sustain the way of life they all enjoy today.
Despite the large group of American supporters on the Korean peninsula there is an ever growing anti-American population. This group tends to be made mostly up of the younger generation of Koreans. This group believes that USFK are arrogant occupiers, unconcerned with the interests of the South Korean people, and the number one barrier in the reconciliation with their neighbor to the north. Often, too, they feel ashamed that their country must rely so heavily on the United States for their national security, when the North is independent and militarily strong.
Since the election of George W. Bush into office, many Koreans feel yet another betrayal by the United States government is not far away. Even current South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun has stated that the "success or failure of a U.S. policy towards North Korea isn't too big a deal to the American people, but it is a life-or-death matter for South Koreans" (Sieff Martin, 01/01/03, pg.1). This is just one example of the dwindling trust the Korean people have in the American Government. No longer is the unpredictability of North Korea the biggest fear among South Koreans, it is more so the unpredictability of Bush and his administration. (Sieff Martin, 01/01/03,pg.2) Many Koreans feel that President Bush ignores their interests in pursuit of his own. Notably, President Bush's infamous "Axis of Evil" speech angered many Koreans, believing it to cause what they deem a new state of social unrest on the peninsula. With reunification so high on the younger generations� list of priorities they felt that Bush put an unnecessary and ignorant pause on any hope for progress in the near future.
Korean media tends to be another major trigger of anti-Americanism in South Korea. Even the most minor crimes committed by U.S. soldiers receive widespread media attention. Traffic violations, petty crimes and such, lead to bickering and even violent protests because of what Koreans consider to be misbehaving and careless G.I's. The Korean people feel that the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is unfair to Korean victims in both major and minor crimes. This has been a major bump in the relationship between the two countries. Recently there have been dramatic changes in this agreement to hold soldiers more accountable and to satisfy the backlash from Koreans on criminal justice issues. Perhaps the biggest issue concerning crime and the SOFA agreement came to head in November 2002. This was a devastating incident involving an armored vehicle killing two young Korean girls. The two soldiers involved were of course court marshaled by USFK, but they denied Korean requests for the jurisdiction over them, and then only to have the charges dismissed. This caused outrage amongst Koreans and the demanding of further changes in the SOFA. (Kim,Jinwung,01/01/04,pg.4-5)
Perhaps the biggest issue when talking about anti-Americanism revolves around the pride of the Korean people. Visible reminders of U.S presence such as the Yongsan military compound in the country's downtown capital city of Seoul, irritates many Koreans. Despite local opposition of this installation, and many talks to move it, it continues to grow and the USFK continues to build new departments and additions on to it. Perhaps what is most annoying to Koreans is not only the fact that it is in their capital city, but occupies such a huge portion of their downtown district, where the land is expensive and scarce. (Kim,Jinwung, 01/01/04,pg.2) Demonstrations outside of the Yongsan main gate are common sights, and a constant reminder that anti-Americanism persists.

The difference in the perceptions of the U.S-ROK alliance by the Korean people presents many challenges in their positive relations. The majority of Koreans do promote the continued presence of the USFK on the peninsula, however, the growing anti-Americanism is causing great hostility. Though supporters of the U.S alliance see the aid given by the U.S government as helpful and beneficial, anti-Americans find it shameful and embarrassing. Having to depend on another country both financially and economically, when the north does not, weighs heavily on their sense of national pride. While one group pushes for U.S troop withdrawl, the other sees any such move as a betrayal in their 50 plus year alliance. With the younger generation so focused on reunification, they see any new U.S policies regarding North Korea as an attempt to provoke crisis on the peninsula. To meet the challenges of these different perspectives, it is important to maintain a strong alliance. The two allies must make a continued effort to convince the public that the U.S efforts are essential for the maintenance of the country�s security, peace and stability.

[ulsanchris]

I think the younger generation in most developed countries, not that korea is a fully developed country, are unappreciative of the older generations.
Although here it seems worse. Maybe it seems more appearant because we are outsiders looking in. Also it could be because 50 years ago Korea basically had nothing and the older generation of koreans had to work so hard to give the younger generations an easy lifestyle.


Why is there so much anti americanism when it was the states that saved Korea from those commie bastards up north. There are quite a few reasons, just quickly here are a few. many koreans felt the US didn't put enough presure on the Korean Government to democratize, and didn't do enough to prevent injustices commited by the Korean government on Koreans. Take the Gwangju massacre for example. Being dependant on another country for its own survival and having foriegn troops on its soil does not sit well with many koreans. This one might sound like a conspiracy theory but I think it is happening. North Korean agents in S. Korea help fan the flames of anti americanism through propoganda.

[rapier]

South koreans will have to find out the hard way, or not at all. Its only human nature after all.
When your parents told you not to play with fire, did you immediately accept their reasoning and never go near a match ever after? No, you went and played with the blowtorch out of curiosity until you got burned. Only after you had seen and experienced with your own eyes, did you believe.
Every generation is the same.
It will take another war and countless lives lost before people realise. Words mean nothing, only experience is real.

[capa21]

If you asked the average Korean aged 20-30 why they don't like America or the American presence, quite often they won't have a valid reason. It's ignorance really. I've never heard one young person say something positive about America and it's contributions to this country. I'm not saying that there aren't people who appreciate what America has done but they're few and far between. I'm sick of hearing the same old 'they're loud, rude, they killed those 2 girls.." routine.

[Gord]

[jay-shi]

[dogbert]

[osangrl]

? Im not saying its a great paper, but i did write it. I wrote it for one of my Boyfriends classes just last week.
This thread is about perceptions. My essay, or his essay, is about the same thing.

[TheUrbanMyth]