The Korean War, that started in 1950, has still not officially ended. In 1953 there was a ceasefire but since then there has been no peace treaty agreed. So, for 72 years the US has kept North Korea internationally isolated and repeatedly blocked negotiations to agree a treaty.
Following this month’s Presidential election in South Korea, the US described the elections as ‘fair’ but expressed concern about Chinese interference – promoting the political myth advanced by South Korea’s far-right. The far-right, both in S Korea and the US, use the same anti-China talking points about Korea.
In this video, Cathi Choi and Dae-Han Song discuss: the many attempts at achieving a peace treaty and how the US in the end has always backed out; how the US views its diplomacy with North Korea as a reward, not an obligation; and the significance of this month’s election of President Lee Jae-myung in South Korea, given he is favourable to assisting US-N Korea peace talks. Cathi explains how within the US the Korean War is seen as the ‘forgotten war’ – and how in the offices of Congress there is ignorance of US-N Korea relations.
The campaigns of the peace movements seeking an end to the Korean War should be supported. Wherever you are in the world there is something you can do.
Cathi Choi (she/her) is the Executive Director of Women Cross DMZ, a global movement of activists mobilizing to end the Korean War, reunite families, and ensure feminist leadership in peacebuilding. She co-coordinates the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network.
Social media: @womencrossdmz @koreapeacenow @cathischoi
Website: www.womencrossdmz.org
Dae-Han Song is a part of the International Strategy Center and the Korea Policy Institute. He is a member of the international No Cold War collective.