THIS THING OF OURS-ADOPTION

THE KOREAN WAR BABY

My name is Don Gordon BELL and I am one of the earliest of the first generation of KAD's (Korean ADoptees). The Korean War had been settled by Armistice three years before I left war-torn Seoul, Korea, on May 21, 1956. It was the first plane of twelve 'war babies' processed thru the Harry Holt Adoption Program. Read more of MY STORY on My Pages.
I grew up in a typical middle-class family of English-Scottish roots in greater Los Angeles, Ca, USA. Memories faded, Korean language was 'lost' and I did not know anything about the country of my birth until I met Korean Marines in Vietnam while serving with the US Marines. It was my first exposure to real Korean people. I was not completely aware of how prejudiced most Koreans thought towards a Half-Breed like me. I learned what "Tuigi" meant, a Korean word for a "Child of a Foreign devil". Oh, wonderful.


All my life I always had to answer the question: "What ARE you?" and I simply would tell 'my story'. It was not a big deal for me, for my Adoptive Parents had taught me that being an American meant that WE were from many countries. I never 'wished to be White' and just learned to stand up for my own identity. MY Identity was as an American, with mixed heritage. I did not know what being "Korean" meant but often wondered about my roots, and what my birth father's ethnicity. Mexican, Native Americans, and Spanish people would tell me that I had their 'genes' for sure. Little did I know they were right!

After college, I traveled to Manila and for ten years I lived in the Philippines. I was excepted as a 'mestizo' and fit into the former Spanish colony. I was a B-movie Character Actor,
working on international and local films, enjoying a 'crazy and wild' abandonment. Then a life changing experience gave me faith in a personal Higher Being. After walking away from the film business, I lived back in the USA, not sure of my direction in life finding work in construction, finish carpentry, door hanging, and many other jobs I'd like to forget.

In 1991, at 38, I attended a Holt Heritage Camp that was a great experience and really began my own journey of Adoption Identity search. I had never thought much of my Korean culture, though I always felt proud of being "HALF-Korean" and "half-Something".

In 1994 I came back to Seoul, Korea, with my church Vineyard Christian Fellowship, and was invited to stay with a church in East Seoul, for one year. I have lived here since late 1995- re-discovering my "Korean-ness", teaching English and telling my Adoption Story to thousands of Korean students of all ages, helping their understanding of Korean Adoptees. It is one of the issues that Korea is now facing, even for its own secretly adopted children, those who were adopted IN-Country by Koreans who desired a family but due to problems with Infertility secretly adopt.

I was a charter member in 1997 (first dozen members) of GOA'L (Global Overseas Adoptees' Link, founded by Ami Nafzger) and continue to be involved with the complex issues of This Thing of Ours-Adoption. Thousands of KADs have visited Korea over the years, searching for their culture and Some search for birth family. Seventy-five thousand have come, yet only 2,400 plus have found Reunion with Birth family, often with varying results. There are many complexities, many don't want to search concerned about offending their Adoptive Families. Each KAD must decide what they want to do, when to do it, etc.


At 67, I am still 'working thru' my Adoption Identity. Each of YOU need to 'work through' your own understanding and hopefully find forgiveness and healing. Read many different accounts and compare before coming to conclusions. I hope that you will learn what IS happening NOW, in the land of your birth, the Rep. of Korea (South Korea). (See Report Links).

Times are changing, the reasons for 'relinquishment/given up for adoption' have shifted, but there continues to be a need for a multi-tiered approach and understanding of Adoption issues. Slowly, attitudes of Korean society ARE changing for the better. But, the majority continue to feel embarrassment and shame. Thus, Adoption is still shrouded in secrecy even for those who are adopted In-country . There ARE positive signs and movements of NGO's and KAD groups are advocating for the Unwed Mothers. However, two-thirds of pregnant women each year, continue to give up their babies for adoption. One out of four are sent overseas, YET three are secretly adopted in-country. The Myth that "Koreans don't adopt" is false, but they need to open up and hopefully change their shame to pride.


This blog is for EVERYONE, whether you are an Adoptee, Adoptive Family, Birth Family or involved in Adoption in ANY way as a professional, social worker, official, etc, from Korea or the world. We examine the complex issues and personal journeys that we, domestic and overseas adoptees, have to face and sort out in This Thing of Ours-Adoption. (Use the Search function to check for Posts on various topics, TransRacial, Tran-Cultural, Multi-Cultural families, Domestic, Civil Code Law Adoptions, InterCountry Adoption, etc.)

I personally have come to a compromised, nuanced position on this thing of ours-adoption. I advocate a Multi-tiered Plan that tries to be balanced, realistic, fair to all.

UPDATE: Living in the Philippines since 2010, at first teaching students from several countries as an Online Tutor, based in Makati, Metro Manila. I was working on a Digital Library for Online Tutoring or ELearning; developing an agritourism farm; and Overseas Retirement Care for foreigners needing 24/7 health care.

Then some 18 months ago, in July of 2012 I met with Andrew Leavold, a crazy film obsessed Aussie who helped "pull me back into film making".

WHEW! Lot on my plate. I have also been learning much about the Filipino society's very different viewpoints on unwed motherhood and adoption.

As of Sept. 2012, I worked on an Indie Film, "Baybayin, the Palawan Script", directed by Auraeus Solito, and international award winning Filipino director. I had a role in the film and explored my hobby as a STILLS Photographer. Currently I have quit all teaching, co-writing on an international film that will be done in 3D and CGI effects. I am back in the film-making business and I love it. I have continued to act in Independent and international films and in many projects worked as Stills/Bts Photographer. I cover film festivals, events, and continue to try to improve my Game. Semi-retired but love to keep active, now exploring mirrorless 4K cameras but still a Canon Guy.


Adoption Discourse needs to hear YOUR VOICES. Every opinion, even opposing viewpoints will be posted and interaction invited by email and Comments have been activated again with spam filters!)
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#20 Holt Adoptee/First Dozen on Flight departing Seoul on 21 May, 1956 to USA.


April 28, 2010

Facebook Comments Addressed (name withheld)

The Korean War Baby posts this exchange from FaceBook withholding names for privacy. (don't check I deleted it)


(name withheld by my desire to keep her public comments on Facebook, uh, ah, private...)


April 26, Monday

“oh Don, C'MON and be the big MAN you say you are and stop whining!! D#@-w&% can call himself by his Korean or Swiss or Swiss Korean or any other name he damn well pleases- and he doesn't have to have anyone's *$%! approval to do so; and if he any other adoptee, or person chooses to disclose his/her personal reunion story,or past life or personal that is their RIGHT to CHOOSE and not for anyone else to post or publish without their consent!!

And Don, as a leader of any organization, respecting people's privacy and personal information is NUMBER 1 on the list of professional abilites....and damn it soldier,you fail in that regard BIG TIME.
I get your anger and rage and cursing and hate but invasion of other people's right to privacy and using your wall as to do this bs is WRONG,so WRONG.”


The Korean War Baby responds:

First of all, dear, I’m a Goddamn MARINE, THE United States Marine Corps...not a soldier, though I respect ALL branches of our armed forces. I don't go in for petty inter-service rivalry but by GOD, dear Lord, call me a Marine not a soldier, okay? Just have to get that out there. NOW,

When someone publishes their story on the internet, under any name it is no longer PRIVATE, but public domain. As for "people's right to privacy" that does not fit this situation, Mr. Wenger published his story on the internet, how is that PRIVATE, my dear? Don't think anyone needs "permission". UH, Jan Wenger did publish his story online, just did not share his story to ME, certainly don't know why, it is a wonderful example of how fortunate it was to have been read by his birth mother or family.

I think his story is indicative of how important it is to get a chance to get into the newspapers or on television. It is one of the services that GOA'L has done a steady job on, and perhaps greatly influenced by Mr. Wenger's own PERSONAL experience, but one he felt was "too personal".

BUT Mr. Wenger definitely lied to me about having any relationship with Rev. Kim DoHyun, and I cannot understand why? Rev. Kim DoHyun is very involved in helping adoptees in many ways, he and his wife founded KoRoot that provides a place to stay and get help on living in Korea:

"
KoRoot is basically founded upon this need to resolve the challenges that the prospective returnees face, providing them with accomodation and assistance to ease them into Korean society, and to help them enjoy their visit by conducting a number of special events and having necessary resources available during their stay in Korea."

Many hundreds, perhaps thousands have come and stayed in KoRoot during brief or long periods of stay in the motherland.

BUT on matters such as stopping Inter-Country Adoptions it is no secret that Rev. Kim strongly believes that International Adoptions should stop. I believe that he also is against local, civil or domestic adoption, preferring only "Family Preservation" or supporting Unwed Mothers to be able to raise their child. The Korean War Baby agrees on these principals but with the understanding that at the current time 63% of Unwed Mothers in 2008 CHOSE to relinquish/give up for adoption. Yes, according to the Korean Women's Development Institutes KWDI 37% of Unwed Mothers DID keep their babies, but shall we demand the 63% to take care of their babies? Of course NOT, they by law have the Right to relinquish. NO ONE IS FORCING them to give up their babies. It is just the REALITY that an Unwed Mother with NO SUPPORT from her family, or bio-Sperm donor (not a father) nor his family, SOCIAL PREJUDICE against her and her Illegitimate child, and little government financial support...THIS IS THE MOUNTAIN SHE MUST FACE.

So with all this, it is amazing that some 37% of women ARE keeping their children. I marvel at their bravery and determination. OF THE REMAINING 63% of mothers, I hold absolutely NO bad feelings, Nada, Nyet, Opsoyo. These woman will wonder all their lives "How is my child doing? Where did they go? I hope they can forgive me...will I ever see them again?" I am not making this up.

For every child sent overseas last year, THREE, yes (3) were adopted (out of the 63% given up for adoption) IN THIS COUNTRY. Jane Jeong TRENKA and I are currently comparing notes on the CIVIL COURT Adoptions allowed and privately done. The adoption numbers, based on the MOHWFA and KWDI figures are roughly 75% of the babies GIVEN UP FOR ADOPTION, wind up in SECRET adoptions. This is so wrong on many levels, both for the relinquishing mother, who may expect that the child will go abroad to USA, or EU. but most importantly for the child who may discover LATE IN LIFE by 'accident' that they were Ipyangin, adopted.

(KOREA can NEVER SIGN THE HAGUE CONVENTIONS if this is so...checking with SNU LAW professor Suk Kwang Hyun, at Seoul National University School of Law. He is working on the Hague Convention matter for Korea. Keep you posted on this.)

Does the "RIGHT OF THE MOTHER" to keep override the rights of a woman to NOT RAISE her child? Certainly, more effort must be made to give all women TIME to decide, more than 72 hours as proposed in the Adoption Revision Law to be decided this year. Some women cannot stand emotionally to be with "her child". Shall we "FORCE" mothers to take care of the infant for a week, THEN maybe she will change her mind and remember her RIGHTS of motherhood? That sounds absurd, doesn't it?

Mr. Wenger why did you not want to tell me that you CO-Founded Dongari_Switzerland with Rev. Kim DoHyun, uh, why not? Was that 'too personal', or were you playing me? Oh, I was beginning to smell the "Stench of a dead rat" back in February.
My beef with Mr. Jan Wenger is that he seems to have lied to ME about many things, he would not tell me his story when I asked, saying he did not want to pubicly let it out. I respected his wishes, thinking "must be a European or Swiss thing, you know Swiss neutrality (during the World Wars making money from all sides, hmmm, banking, etc."

Mr. Wenger presented himself as wanting "GOA'L to be Neutral" and fighting to keep it that way, but I find that hard to believe after what happened at the elections. I am waiting for his explanation of the events and why after telling me, "Don't worry about those two guys (Kim Su Rasmussen and Eli Park Sorensen) I spoke with them and they won't be a problem."

But many irregularities in the election rules and allowing candidates to be nominated at the last minute, change of membership regulations, voting procedures, etc. WARRANT public answers. But most of YOU don't give a rat's ass, you cannot take five minutes to write an email demanding answers. Some could not take off the half day from drinking soju with your friends to come and cast your vote. OH, I know over 2,000 "Current Paid-up Members" from 2009, WELL, wait, the rules on THAT changed as well, only from DEC. to March 27, 2010 members LIVING IN KOREA could VOTE. Can you say "Disenfranchised"?

AS OF TODAY WED. THE 28TH OF APRIL, 32 DAYS after the election no minutes of the election results have been emailed or posted in any forum, do you know what happened? Where is the official report? You are not a member according to the new rules yet, some staff of GOA'L told me that I am a member until July of 2010. WHY THE CONFUSION? Go and check, see if you are or are NOT a paid up member. Check the WEBSITE:
RIGHT NOW, go see if the STAFF or Board of Directors has been changed. DO IT NOW, it only takes a minute folks.

Kim Su Rasmussen announced, in Jan. 2010 at the ASK dinner, PUBICLY 'proposed to take over GOA'L by democratic means to Politicize' it, because it is a Korean Non-Government Organization that can give them more leverage to stop InterCountry Adoptions. ASK and TRACK are NOT Korean NGO's. Adoptee's Solidarity Korea does not represent ALL adoptees from Korea but only has a membership of less than 400 KAD's on Facebook, check and you will see that perhaps 50 are NOT even Korean Adoptees. Do they represent ALL KAD's or just a small minority? Yet they would present themselves as such and have tried to influence Korean people that they represent the 'NEW generation of Korean Adoptees'. The HELL I say!! You Do NOT RESPRESENT ME, nor thousands of those in the middle of the BELL CURVE.


TRACK has demonstrated publicly and personally to me that they took action to separate themselves from the plan of the so called 'dangerous danes'. Their request to publish a Memorandum of Understanding was ignored by Kim Stoker and leaders of ASK, and by GOA'L.


Get your facts straight, this is not about my own anger but the blatant lies by leaders of ASK and GOA'L in league with the Politicizing of so called Neutral GOA'L to become used as an Anti-Adoption Adoptees' Association. I FIGHT THEIR IDEAS of STOPPING ICA, for the children, who though unwanted by KOREANS still need a loving home, even in a Trans-cultural or Trans-racial family that would give them a chance. Notice I don't use the term "lucky or grateful to be adopted", ADOPTION IS THE NEXT BEST OPTION. For those who grow up in an Orphanage less than 3% will graduate from a university.


You may call yourself any name you want but it is NOT a LEGAL NAME to take your old name, is it? He is NOT legally recognized as KIM DAE-WON, period by Swiss or Korean authorities. Even your name is just what you want to call yourself as a way of identifying with your ethnicity. I have no problem with this but IT IS NOT YOUR LEGAL NAME. Perhaps after 2011 when the Duel citizenship law is passed and goes into effect some adoptees may chose to do so. Not clear on the name change aspects. Some may decide to “go native” and that is their prerogative but it is NOT LEGAL YET.


Mr. Wenger told me that "don't worry about those two guys, Kim Su Rasmussen and Eli Park Sorensen. I told them they cannot take over GOA'L".... Then HE basically allowed them to nominate candidates on the very day of the election? Limited voting to only those present at the General Meeting.


The Annual General Meeting should be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, according to Article 18 of the Bylaws of the Incorporation. HE was not present. I know most of you are too busy to check but it can be found HERE


A vote to decide how to vote for Board of Directors (in Corpore As a Group) or Individually was first presented. The number of members present forming a quorum:

A quorum is the total members present. A simple majority is one more than half of the quorum. Total members were 49, so a simple majority was 25 votes.

The motion to vote Individually was counted by me and others as only “20”, twenty is NOT A DAMN simple majority, is it? But they went ahead and voted Individually.

THIS IS MY BEEF, Illegal procedures.

Counting Abstentions as NAY.

The College of Denver notes on a page on Robert's Rules:

http://studentactivities.mscd.edu/org/resources/13.html

"...Abstentions do not count in tallying the vote; when members abstain, they are in effect only attending the meeting to aid in constituting a quorum..." From Washington University:http://cialab.ee.washington.edu/Marks/P/IEEE/RobertsRules/RobertsRules/Majority.htm



"A Majority Vote consists of over 50% YES's of all the YES and NO ballots counted."

EXAMPLE: A tie is not a majority.

EXAMPLE: 23 votes are yes, 21 votes are NO and 345 votes are ABSTAIN.

This is a majority and the motion passes."

So, it would seem that the abstained votes are not counted at all and

a 3-3-5 vote as you asked would indeed, be a tie.

Abstentions do not count in tallying the vote negatively or positively; when members abstain, they are in effect attending only to contribute to a quorum." A Quorum is the TOTAL members PRESENT at a General Meeting. On the vote (illegally done since not passed by simple majority) to ‘re-elect Ms. Molly Holt’ the vote was tied twice so then Mr. Wenger was urged to count the Abstentions, he then announced that Abstention votes were counted as NAY votes. THIS IS DONE in European NGO’s but NOT IN KOREA.

“Stop whining?” I AM BITCHING NOT whining, dear. I am Hitting back with TRUTH, FACTS, LAWs OF THE LAND, KOREA not European Rules of Order.

This is NOT for me personally, it is for those children who will NOT BE ADOPTED by Koreans and NEED A FAMILY if the Anti-Adoption Adoptees Association have their way.

Insert ASK postcard here:

Minister Rhyu Si-min has moved on, Minister Jeon Jae-Hee is currently at the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea
Perhaps we need another Postcard campaign made up...Hmmm, gives the Korean War Baby some food for thought.

LOVE IS NOT LIMITED TO BIOLOGY. Thousands of adoptees in the world do NOT think that way. Adoption is not the perfect solution but it was the best thing for tens of thousands of us. So sorry that the 400 members of ASK (with many Non-Korean members by the way) think that by stopping ICA will somehow change the hearts of Korean people. Can you say CONFUCIOUS? Learn more about him and the effect of his society structure that still controls the majority of Koreans until today. BLOOD matters to most of them.
Change takes time, Give more time for Korean Society to change. Be Patient, 2nd and 3rd generation of KAD's.
Let the Unwanted have a HOME even if it means in a foreign land,
Every Child Deserves a Home!

April 26, 2010

Sham Election-Planned Results?

"Kill Zone"
EggBenedict

Long before the Sham Election of 27 March, 2010, just 30 days ago, the Korean War Baby KNEW in his senses that AMBUSH, INTRIGUE, BETRAYAL, were around the corner. It did not take a rocket scientist or a scout on point to know that a major sh#@t storm was ahead.
In January at the Adoptees' Solidarity (for how many?) Korea, he witnessed the “Plan to Politicize GOA’L, take over by ‘democratic’ means” presented for the FIRST TIME PUBLICLY by Kim Su Rasmussen and Eli Park Sorensen.
Immediately after that ASK Dinner, Dae-Won Wenger (name he was using at that time) assured the KWB that “I spoke to those guys and don’t worry they won’t be a problem, I will keep GOA’L neutral”. Well, I put my trust in him as an honorable person. We even discussed WHO might be a good person to replace him as Secretary General.
Then, some things became very clear. Information packets concerning the coming Annual General Meeting with important election of SG, Board of Directors, and a Community Board would take place.
The Korean War Baby thought about it then came to Mr. Wenger and asked him, “How about me? I feel I am ready to serve the Adoption Community, and I am the most ‘middle of the road’ person here in Korea?” WELL, it seemed that time after time instead of encouragement, rather the idea was put forth that I become a Member of the Board of Directors. YES, then together he (Jan Dae-Won Kim Wenger) and I could help KEEP the organization safe and sound, Neutral in the issue of Stopping Overseas Adoptions (also called now InterCountry Adoptions).
Together we could keep GOA’L neutral and THEN I could continue to do my BLOG. I was told, “you couldn’t continue with your blog if you were to become Secretary General, no time, and it might be TOO political.
Hmmm? OH, REALLY, Mr. (Fill in the blanks) Wenger? Here are some documents, that show my SUSPICION was correct, it would be a “Charge of the Light Brigade” moment.
The Charge of the Light Brigade was a disastrous charge of British cavalry led by Lord Cardigan against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava on 25 October 1854 in the Crimean War. It is best remembered as the subject of a famous poem entitled The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, whose lines have made the charge a symbol of warfare at both its most courageous and its most tragic.”
800px-Charge_of_the_Light_Brigade2
The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava by William Simpson (1855), illustrating the Light Brigade's charge into the "Valley of Death" from the Russian perspective.
“The Charge Of The Light Brigade
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Memorializing Events in the Battle of Balaclava, October 25, 1854
Written 1854
Half a league half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred:
'Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns' he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
27dvd_2_650
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd ?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
brigade3
calling-the-roll

*********************************************

NorthKoreanWomenNavy North Korea Women Sailors strut by in parade, quite impressively I might add. (nothing to do with this, just a reminder that the NORTH is Ready for action…are we ready?)

These documents were the definitive proof of the “valley of Death” awaiting us at the Sham Election.
AGM_Pg 7
The AGM info package sent out on March 3 had on page 7 this silly thing on item”
#5. Deadlines. “Members may still nominate candidates for the BoD, Community Board, and Secretary General…at the Annual General Meeting.” Then it goes on to point out that Deadlines to submit paperwork for Secretary General by 12 March 2010. DON’T MEAN Ddong!
Below was Sent on 25 March “Update for AGM”

“Response to Questionnaire for the SG candidates” BUT THIS IS MEANINGLESS BECAUSE anyone could be NOMINATED AT THE AGM. Do you see why I knew, the VALLEY OF DEATH awaited us? Read all my notes especially that in February I called the GOA’L office and checked to see if I needed to pay membership dues for 2010. I was informed that I was okay until the month of July. READ CAREFULLY the page and you will see that I was NOT a PAID UP MEMBER. WTH?
March25_Update for AGM
Julie Jong Koch-WHO?
Some young lady “fresh off the boat” less than three months ago, Julie Jong Koch was nominated by (someone) as a candidate for the position of Secretary General. Well, folks do YOU think she had a clue to what is happening in Korea? Does this not strike you as WEIRD, because certainly they could have voted HER in with 33 VOTES.
BUT the plan was to make sure that NO one was able to win. Instead the NEW Board of Directors will simply DECIDE WHO THEY WANT. This is per the Bylaws of Incorporation, which I asked for but never received only through ‘friends’.
(OOH, can you smell poop? We were in piles of Bull Manure-Dung.)
FIRST VOTE ON VOTING ‘INDIVIDUALLY’ “ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HANDS”
I knew with the first vote on the matter of “Voting In Corpore (as a group to vote all candidates for BoD) or Individually”. In such Non-Government Organization General Meetings the total number of Member present, say 50 total would require a SIMPLE MAJORITY or one more than 50%/Half of the members. Thus 49 members would require 25 to be a simple majority. And so on.
ON THE FIRST VOTE TO DECIDE TO VOTE Individually (for each candidate for BoD), it seemed strange because I don’t believe they counted a simple majority, I counted 20 votes. HUH? How did that pass? Hey, point of order!!

March25_Update for AGM_pg2
YET the Secretary General Wenger proceeded to have Individual voting. Is that legal? Can you say DONG SHIM?
dong_chim
Ms. Molly Holt was then First to be voted on. The vote was tied twice, with many Abstention Votes. Now I saw THEIR GAME, the ‘volleys of cannon fire’ erupted like fountains of manure upon us. FOR THE CRY WAS HEARD to Count the Abstention Votes as NAY against re-election of Molly Holt. THIS IS HOW IT IS DONE IN EUROPEAN Non-Government Organizations.
Notice last entry: Every Current Paid member may nominate a person at the Annual General Meeting” Just in case someone MISSED THAT.
********************************************
ONE MORE GEM:
Article 18. Presiding Officer of General Meeting


The Chairman of the Board shall preside at the general meetings of members.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Chapter 1
General Provisions
Article 1. Name
The name of this corporation shall be „사단법인 해외입양인연대” which shall be written in English “Global Overseas Adoptee’s
Link (G.O.A.’L)” (hereinafter referred to as “Corporation”).

WHO PRESIDED? NOT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD,

HE WAS NOT PRESENT, did anyone see HIM presiding? NO.




**********************************************
Someone wrote: “You can fool some people ALL the time, but you CAN’T fool ALL the people All the time”
DdongChim
UUGGGH, RIGHT UP OUR #@&!!!
Statue in Jeju Island ;)

In Remembrance of

 
In Remembrance of Korean Sailors of ROKS Cheonon, who lost their lives in defense of the Republic of Korea. Let us not forget, nor forgive...they must be avenged and justice done.

 

 
 

Pohang (PCC Patrol Combat Corvette)

The Pohang-class corvette PCC-772 Chonan [aka Cheonanham] sank in the Yellow Sea late on Friday 26 March 2010, in a tense maritime area disputed by North Korea. The incident involving the vessel with a crew of 104 forced South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to convene two emergency security meetings. The president ordered a "quick and thorough" investigation into the incident. At least 46 South Korean military personnel were missing soon after one of the South's naval patrol vessels sank. Seoul was investigating what caused the incident, but held off on blaming the North.
 
  
 Stern (back) of the ROKS Cheonon was first to be brought up.
 
 

On Sunday, Defense Minister Kim Tae-young said that an underwater explosion appeared to have ripped apart the vessel, and a torpedo blast seemed the most likely cause. Investigators who examined salvaged wreckage separately announced Sunday that a close-range, external explosion likely sank it.

"Basically, I think the bubble jet effect caused by a heavy torpedo is the most likely" cause, Kim told reporters Sunday. The bubble jet effect refers to the rapidly expanding bubble an underwater blast creates and the subsequent destructive column of water unleashed.

Kim, however, did not speculate on who may have fired the weapon and said an investigation was ongoing and it's still too early to determine the cause.

Soon after the disaster, Kim told lawmakers that a North Korean torpedo was one of the likely scenarios, but the government has been careful not to blame the North outright, and Pyongyang has denied its involvement.

As investigations have pointed to an external explosion as the cause of the sinking, however, suspicion of the North has grown, given the country's history of provocation and attacks on the South.

 
 
 
 

How N.Korean Heavy Torpedo Could Have Sunk Cheonan

Defense Minister Kim Tae-young's comments on Sunday that a bubble jet caused by a heavy torpedo was the most likely cause of the blast that sank the Navy corvette Cheonan have put North Korean heavy torpedoes on the top of the list of suspects.

It is difficult to imagine a country other than North Korea launching a torpedo attack against a South Korean warship, and the extent of damage the Cheonan suffered has made a heavy torpedo the probable cause. Military experts believe North Korea has four types of heavy torpedoes: Yu-3G, ET-80A, TYPE 53-59, and the TYPE 53-56.

One source said if a North Korean torpedo was the culprit, it would most likely have been a Yu-3G. Developed in China during the mid 1980s, the Yu-3G is a "passive acoustic homing" torpedo that tracks the sounds of a vessel's propellers and its wake and attacks accordingly. Experts believe the North would have equipped the Yu-3G with a fuse that can be detonated by the magnetic field generated by a vessel.

The lower part of the Cheonan, beneath the gas turbine room where the external explosion is believed to have happened, is the part of a ship that produces the strongest magnetic field. When equipped with a 200 kg high explosive, the Yu-3G, with a range of 12 km, is said to be strong enough to split a warship the size of the Cheonan in half.

The ET-80A is also a passive acoustic homing torpedo with a range of 7.3 km. The Type 53-59 and Type 53-56 torpedoes, which were developed in the former Soviet Union and were exported to China and North Korea, are straight-track projectiles that travel in a straight line toward their targets after being fired.


South Korea's military says that military intelligence gathered with the United States shows that a torpedo fired from a North Korean submarine sank its navy ship Cheonan last month.

The clearest sign yet that Seoul blames Pyongyang for what would be one of the deadliest incidents between the rivals since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War was reported by the publicy funded Yonhap news agency. 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

Certain Generals were Promoted after the sinking, after they had lost "Face in the last year's sea battle. Seems they have redeemed themselves and are preparing the way for Kim Jong-il's younger son. Do make sure your passports and documents are in order...it could hit the fan, people, be afraid, be very afraid.
 
 
 
 
Some people are not fooled by the most dangerous government in the world. 
 
 
A new leader is being prepared for the North Korea people. Be prepared people, be prepared for ANYTHING.

This was back in the 2000-2002 "honeymoon" stage with hopes of Reunification as one country. Sure, but will it be Communism or Republic? Some wish for Socialism, one wonders where Their
brains are at.
 
 

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