With all the increased media attention on North Korea and the reports on the threats of nuclear war, I thought it would be good to post an update for you all. I have received quite a few messages expressing concern and question about what is going on.
I can honestly say that everything in South Korea is business as usual. Yes, there has been more talk about what is going on and whether or not a second Korean War is about to start and, for the most part, people are light hearted about it. North Korea regularly threatens South Korea and every few years, they have a hissy fit and bomb something. To clarify, the Korean War never officially ended in the 1950s. Rather, there was an armistice agreement signed where both sides agreed to disagree, and stop killing each other. Technically, we have been in a 'state of war' for the last 60 years. So that is nothing new. What is new is the current young leader of NK, Kim Jong Eun, who seems a little radical and like he's got something to prove. His father and grandfather lead the country since the war and with him being only 29 years old, perhaps he feels like he wants people to take him seriously so he's making larger threats than done previously.
One NK analyst pointed out that Kim Jong Eun lives a very luxurious life, much more so than anyone in NK and even in SK for that matter, and he wouldn't be stupid enough to start a war that would end his extravagance. And I'm inclined to believe him.
Of course, we are registered with the Canadian embassy and if things escalate further, we will evacuate as advised. We will also be sure to have emergency bags ready to go just in case (*Sandhya*). But for now, please realize that the news in the west is getting lots of people hyped up about this so that the USA will have the support of their people if they make the rash decision to attack. Yes, NK is doing nuclear testing against the UN's advice. Yes, threats have been made. But no, no one here is panicking. We love you all for your concern and it's nice to hear that you are thinking of us.
For now, here is a picture my brother posted on my Facebook that I find very amusing. If you haven't seen the Snickers "You're not you when you're hungry" commercials, watch the Youtube video first. Otherwise, enjoy a chuckle. haha.
With love from Korea,
Jennika
Team JMS
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