Chapter Twelve
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USA suggested that a North Korean torpedo had caused the explosion.^29 A
UN investigation concurred; however, a Russian investigation argued that
it was not a torpedo. Kim Jong Il refused to claim responsibility, insisting
that the North had nothing to do with the sinking of the ship or the deaths
of the sailors.^30 Some South Korean civilians were skeptical of government
accounts, believing the Lee Administration benefitted from a frightened
population and wanted to use the event to push for greater aggression
against the North. Other civilians in the South quickly agreed with the
indictment of the North. Nevertheless, even those who agreed remained
divided on how to proceed, with some believing a more aggressive stance
would show the North that the South was not merely a victim, and others
believing it would not be wise to bait a tiger, so to speak.^31 In response to
the incident, South Korea, along with the U.S. put the SPT on hold.^32
The second incident came in November 2010, when the US and South
Korea conducted joint military defense exercises in the North China Sea.
When told about the exercises in advance, the KCNA, North Korea’s news
channel, indicated that any military exercises so close to the 38th parallel
would be seen as an act of aggression against the North and would be met
in kind.^33 Despite these warnings, the US-Korean forces went ahead with
their exercises. On November 23, Yongpyeong Island residents were
shocked by shelling from the North. Evacuations began immediately, and
residents were moved to temporary shelters, but not quickly enough. As a
result of the bombing, two soldiers and two civilians lost their lives.
President Lee issued a strongly worded statement, saying, "I think
enormous retaliation is going to be necessary to make North Korea
incapable of provoking us again.”^34
Despite the Administration’s strong response, South Koreans remained
as divided as ever over the proper response. When asked, one Korean
interviewed suggested that the US and South Korea should proceed with
attacking the North for their aggression, in hopes of putting an end to the
constant strained tension on the peninsula. Another responded with
(^29) Shin, “Debate on Cheonan still in progress.”
(^30) Hankyoreh, “Russia’s Cheonan investigation suspects that the sinking Cheonan
ship was caused by a mine in water.”
(^31) Personal conversations with South Koreans ages 13-40 around the time of the
Cheonan incident, as well as from articles in The Korea Times in late March 2010
and April 2010, including
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2011/04/162_81807.html
(^32) Hanham, “Impact of the Cheonan Incident on the Six-Party Talks.”
(^33) Branigan, “South Korea warns North of 'enormous retaliation' after attack“.
(^34) Quoted in Lee, “S. Korea vows 'stern retaliation' against N. Korea's attacks.”