On Nov. 23, North Korea suddenly bombed Yeonpyeong Island and killed two South Korean marines and two civilian construction workers. The attack was the first one on land since the Korean War, which ended in 1953. This attack also marked the first civilian deaths in an assault since the bombing of a South Korean airliner in 1987. According to the town hall, 44 islanders and marines were wounded in the attack, while 25 homes were completely destroyed and 78 more were damaged.
Most residents of the island fled to the South Korean mainland. Many of them are afraid of another attack and said that they will not go back to their home.
For nearly 60 years, North and South Korea have faced each other across one of the world's most heavily armed borders, since there was never a peace treaty signed. People say that one reason for bombing the South is to help North Korean's succession for a third generation. Even South Korea's intelligence chief has said that North Korea will likely attack South Korea again in order to bolster the handover of power from Kim Jong-il to his youngest son.
Many South Koreans are mad at the government for its response to the attack. South Korea's defense minister has resigned after facing criticism that the government responded weakly to North Korea's artillery attack when the South Korean soldiers responded to the attack by firing 80 shells back across the border.
This problem is difficult to figure out. The government is stuck in a dilemma because they want to demonstrate its resolve against North Korea while at the same time preventing war.
By Yoha Lee
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