North Korea

So I thought that I would hopefully ease some minds about the whole North Korea thing. First, I would like to say that I am not worried about my safety in the least. I live in probably the best location in South Korea. I am close to the coast/ have an international airport/ US army bases nearby if anything should happen. I am also registered with the US embassy. That being said, no one here seems too worried about North Korea. My teachers and friends don't say much unless I ask. Life is going on like normal, as it should.

We did get this email from the education office which gives a good perspective on how people think here:

Though North Korean military actions may be headline news, to most Koreans these are just another news of the day.

Just two years ago, the North Korean military did attack South Korean military ship, killing 46 navies. A year before that there was even a small scale war on the West Sea. These are skirmishes that have been going on since the end of Korean War.

 No one wants an all-out war and I don't think there are many who think that could actually happen on the peninsula. North Korea can never attack  mainland Korea, where US forces are stationed at major cities and military strongholds: An attack on the US forces will mean a war with the US. The recent deployment of the US military powers like B-52 bombers and F-22 stealth fighters is a showcase that gives a strong message to North Korea that the US is ready to defend South Korea.

I only hope that it never does turn into a war, because for one, I don't want to leave. And two, I have many friends who will be called into the military who don't want to fight. 

In the end I think I should be worried abut you if we were to take everything North Korea says to heart. 

Also, I should say that my heart goes out to the North Korean people and the atrocities they are being put through. I do hope we find a way soon to help bring down the current regime.