Photo KCNA
My generation is immune to the threats
‘In my opinion the portrayal of North Korea in the media as an increasing threat increases support for conservative politicians in South Korea. In the past year, the conservatives have proven that continuous power has made them corrupt, as is shown by the President Park and Samsung scandal. Also, I blame them for the worsening relations with North Korea, especially by cutting off diplomatic communication. Contrary to what American president Trump says, constructive diplomatic communication needs to be resumed.
The young generation of South Korea has grown up with frequent threats from North Korea. Although we recognize how bad the situation is and how annoyed the North Koreans are, we have become immune to it. We have realized that stability in the Korean conflict is in everybody’s interests. We believe that a strong military power neutralizes the provocations of North Korea. At the same time, we feel that the Koreans are one people. I think a solution should be focused on reuniting the north and the south.
For two years, I was in military service, patrolling the border. Although the living conditions in service were rather poor, I felt proud to serve my country. It was a useful experience for me, because it made me realize how severe a war situation really is and that escalation of the conflict is completely undesirable. When I talk to my friends about it, we never make jokes about the subject. This topic is too serious for jokes.’
Je-Seung Jeon, a PhD-student of Microbial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW, talks about the effects of the North Korean situation on his homeland, South Korea.