In show of support, S. Koreans donate chocolates to GIs (Valentine way to say...please stay)

Stars and Stripes, Pacific Edition ^ | Tuesday, February 18, 2003 | T.D. Flack and Choe Song-won

[xzins]

In show of support, S. Koreans donate chocolates to GIs


By T.D. Flack and Choe Song-won, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, February 18, 2003

YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — In a gesture they called symbolic of their support for the U.S. military in South Korea, members of pro-American groups here donated 37,000 packages of chocolate to U.S. Forces Korea on Valentine’s Day.

The 3.1 Netizen Group — a collection of more than 30 Christian, veteran and student organizations — hatched the idea to show solidarity with the U.S. military after a recent surge in anti-Americanism.

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets since a June accident in which two 13-year-old South Korean girls were crushed to death by an armored vehicle traveling off base in a U.S. Army convoy. The demonstrations grew increasingly violent, with activists calling for complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from the peninsula.

Netizen officials contacted Shin Heay-shik, the president of a Web-based news service Tokrip Shinmun, to help. Shin donated 300,000 won, or about $256, and used his Web site to advertise the event.

Shin, accompanied by nine Netizen representatives, presented baskets of chocolate to Army Col. William Ivey, 8th Army chief of staff; Marine Corps Col. Richard Monreal, U.S. Forces Korea J5; and Navy Capt. Edward Boorda, U.S. Naval Forces Korea chief of staff, during a ceremony at Yongsan on Friday morning.

Shin told Stars and Stripes he sponsored the event because he thought it was time for action.

“I guess many U.S. soldiers here feel uncomfortable living in Korea lately,” he said. “I thought we needed to go and say that we truly care about them.”

He stressed that some in the South Korean media have been inciting the anti-American sentiment and wanted to reassure U.S. troops that the criticism they’ve heard does not represent the majority of South Koreans.

Kim Byong-chul, a 28-year-old college student and member of Netizen, attended the event.

He said “abusive stories released from the media” are “badly affecting the alliance between the United States and Korea and … are even threatening the defense of this country.”

In a speech at Friday’s ceremony, Shin said, “We are concerned that the recent spread of anti-U.S. demonstrations might have a negative impact on the friendship between America and South Korea. America is South Korea’s blood brother, and we oppose the withdrawal of the American forces from South Korea.”

The message was well-received by the U.S. soldiers in attendance.

“Often it is the guys that do not support what their government wants that are out demonstrating and making comments,” Ivey was quoted as saying in an 8th Army news release. “I am thankful that these groups took the time to speak out and show their support.”

Ivey said that all U.S servicemembers in South Korea would receive their packets of Valentine’s chocolate.

“One of the baskets will go up to the Joint Security Area for soldiers serving on the DMZ,” he said in the release.

Home | Shopping | Archives | Print Shop | Stripes Lite
Ombudsman | Advertising | About Us | Feedback | Contact Us
Careers | Stocks | Press Releases | European Classified Ads

© 2002 Stars and Stripes. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer / Web Notice
Site Design by LaserNet, LLC.

[xzins]

Many S. Koreans, especially Christian groups FULLY support the presence of the United States.

This quote is telling and decisive:

Shin said, “We are concerned that the recent spread of anti-U.S. demonstrations might have a negative impact on the friendship between America and South Korea. America is South Korea’s blood brother, and we oppose the withdrawal of the American forces from South Korea.”

[martin_fierro]

A lot of the younger generation of South Koreans may be clueless, but I can attest that those who remember the Communist invasion (my dad included) wholeheartedly support the U.S. military presence.

[steveegg]

Bump for the South Koreans who understand.

My dad served in South Korea in the ealy 1960s.

[dfwgator]

but I can attest that those who remember the Communist invasion (my dad included) wholeheartedly support the U.S. military presence.

I suspect Berliners that were around during the airlift feel the same way.

[xzins]

It just dawned on me.

The 37,000 packages represent one package for each American service person in S. Korea.

Awesome.

One of the best troops I EVER had work for me was a young Katusa....SGT Li. A strong Christian, he was an outstanding help to this U.S. Army Chaplain.

The people of Korea treated me with utmost respect and hospitality.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

This is a nice gesture, but SK elected a leader whose main platform was anti-Americanism and that's where the majority of their citizens are. We should do what they want and pull out of SK. They'll realize the error of their ways when NK is having them for dinner.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

“I guess many U.S. soldiers here feel uncomfortable living in Korea lately,” he said.

No sh-t, Dick Tracy. Our troops shouldn't have to endure South Korea's hostility.

Be careful what you wish for, South Korea.

[xzins]

The NK will NOT have S. Korea for dinner. S. Korea is a far more capable, better equipped army than is N. Korea. That starving nation might field an offensive that'll last a week due to surprise, but after that, the Rok Soldiers will clean their clocks. I've watched them....the Roks are absolutely, certifiably tough.

Our 37,000 are there to get us involved to keep China and/or nukes out. If it's just the north against the south, I'd bet HUGE money on the ROK soldiers EVERY time.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Good, let them defend themselves. I'm sick of defending people who hate us.

[xzins]

Read the article again.

[NetValue]

Chocolates are nice but the government policy is what matters. The US is not welcome in S Korea. Time to come home. Let them handle it their way.

[MainFrame65]

I was at Camp Ames, north of Taejon, through most of 1963.

[ohioWfan]

South Korea has a very large number of Christians. It would make sense that they support the American presence, and understand our war against evil.

[cake_crumb]

Weren't there demonstrations calling for removal of US troops in South Korea a few months ago??

[OldFriend]

I feel sorry for the citizens of South Korea, seems they have elected a clintonclone and realize the danger to their country.

[OldFriend]

The reason for the huge number of military in NK is that they are the only ones getting any food. My guess is that they, like the Iraqi military, will surrender in an instance. They don't like that their families are starving.

[TominPA]

I've been stationed in S. Korea twice; Camp Carrol 89-90, and Camp Colburn 95-96. The older Koreans want us and realize the only way they've remained free as long as they have is due to the US presence. However, the youger generation, most of the KATUSA's included, don't like us, want us gone, and feel that the US is the main reason reunification is still a dream.

The arrogance and stupidity of youth........

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I sure hope that the election of an anti-American leader was due to people being fooled like when we elected Clinton and that the anti-Americanism there is just a few people making a lot of noise. Their government isn't giving me a warm fuzzy.

[Britton J Wingfield]

Weren't there demonstrations calling for removal of US troops in South Korea a few months ago??

There are also demonstrations here in the US calling for the end of capitalism. That doesn't mean the majority support such idiocy.

Koreans were always very nice to me, and their food rocks.