The overwhelming majority of Koreans in both North and South Korea are longing for peace and, eventually, a reunification of the Korean nation. Because of US occupation of Korea by troops and nuclear weapons, the people of both countries live with the constant anxiety of another devastating war on their soil. They are demanding peace and their leaders are beginning to meet that demand. A poll in early May showed that 75% of South Koreans said that they trust Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile the US war machine insist upon their “maximum pressure” strategy on North Korea and has continued to hold massive military exercises which simulate an invasion of North Korea. While Koreans organize for peace, the US recklessly continues to sabotage their efforts. For a real lasting peace in Korea, the US must withdraw its military forces and warships from the Korean Peninsula.
Korean Unity at the Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang took a special political significance for the Korean people. The games opened up space for dialogue between the governments of North and South Korea on the topic of peace, space that would be hard to imagine a year ago. They even went as far as having their respective athletes march under a unified flag at the opening ceremony. This represents the deep desire of Koreans across the peninsula for peace and reunification. The U.S. government, however, made it clear that they were actively sabotaging the dialogue. They want to keep the South Korean government on a very short leash and disapprove of any independent moves on their part. And as long as the South Korean government refuses to act independently of the U.S. war-machine, which only wants to increase tensions, there will not be peace in Korea.