In 1945, when Japan’s colonial hold on Korea ended with its defeat during World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel by the U.S. the Soviet Union, each half being politically modeled upon very different philosophies.  In 1950, armed forces from communist North Korea smashed into South Korea, setting off the Korean War. The war continued until in 1953 when the United States and North Korea signed a cease-fire that ended the conflict. U.S. forces have remained in South Korea ever since, though their numbers have fluctuated over time.

Now in 2018, the leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to work to remove all nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula and to become an alliance, reducing border tension and resuming reunions between families who were separated during the Korean War inthe early 1950s. Lafayette High School History teacher Mr. Andre thinks it’s good to see that the tension between countries is going away but the US has to be careful with North Korea.

In April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the border into South Korea to speak with President Moon Jae-in.  This was an historic moment because it was the first time a member of the Kim dynasty was known to set foot on South Korean soil since 1953. They met at the demilitarized zone in the village of Panmunjom. There were moments when Kim Jong Un and Pres. Moon were  joking and walking together, which was ironic because of last year’s barrage of North Korean missile test, including a very astronomic nuclear test that led to sweeping international sanctions and fears of a fresh conflict on the Korean peninsula. Lafayette English teacher Mrs. Stanley mentioned that she’s suspicious of the idea of an alliance between North and South Korea. In addition, she questions why South Korea would disturb the alliance with the US by joining forces with unpredictable leader.

In May, A top adviser to South Korea’s president said he would eventually like to see the U.S.–South Korea alliance end. But he supports the continued presence of American forces in Korea, along with President Moon. It was a paradoxical statement because South Korea has relied on the U.S. alliance since the 1950s. By stating that, U.S. and South Korean officials have said many times that the alliance is not a bargaining chip with North Korea. Lafayette security guard Mr. Capers spoke on the topic, saying, “We should always make peace and not go to war, but there’s always going to be war but now it’s time for peace.” He continued, “The first mission is always people and always complete the mission for the people.”

For the good of North and South Korea, not to mention the rest of the world, we all watch and hope for the establishment of trust and tranquility between these two nations.