American General Douglas MacArthur (center) accepts the flag of the United Nations Command for his momentous service in the KOrean War of 1950.
The Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950, with a surprise attack on the unprepared South by overwhelmingly superior forces from the Communist North, was a direct result of the ill-advised division of the nation after Japan’s defeat in World War Two. Moreover, the fanatical northern regime- encouraged and equipped by Stalin-schemed to take over the entire peninsula. Their sudden onslaught was blunted and reversed by expeditionary forces dispatched by sixteen United Nations members after the Security Council approved the intervention. But Communist China sent its forces into the fray, resulting in an eventual stalemate along approximately the old line of division. Truce talks dragged on in the midst of bldood spilled in inconclusive fighting until a fragile armistice, which still continues, was signed on July 27, 1953. The most lasting damage from the Korean War though-still felt today-was the hardening of the division and animosity between South and North Koreans. lt is time to strengthen the Korea-US military alliance. While there has been controversy between conservatives and progressives toward the US troops stationed in Korea, US-Korea relations have soured to the point where it is a source of worry. Now within the US government, there is a strong movement no longer to share stratgic information with Korea. Many issues, including North Korea’s nuclear weapons, security of the Korean peninsula, GPR (Government Policy Review),and Korea’s sudden reliance on China, have created friction with the US government. lt is very disappointing that there has been a cooling off of relations between Korea and the United States, especially from the MacArthur period where the US and Korea were such great allies. ls it possible for Korea to ensure its bright future with such a cloud overhead? The Korean government and people should know that a strong US- Korea military alliance is a secure long-term investment and directly relates to the credibility of Korea in the world. By recognizing this, l believe that the current government should try to improve relations with the US through better military cooperation and diplomacy. Title- General MacArthur, Hero of the Korean War Material- Oil on Canvas Size- Width 41cm, Length 53cm Period- Modern Artist_ Chang Hyelim
|