You may have heard of this shocking news earlier when NKorea bombarded the neighboring south with artillery. The full news can be found on http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11818005

I have many distant relatives in South Korea, specifically in Busan and in Incheon. Even if Busan is miles away from the borderline, I still got frightened earlier as to what have happened. Not to mention Incheon is just near the borderline itself!

The dispute between the two Koreas, namely the Korean War ended many years ago. However, because of this incident, I believe this is the worst case so far since the Korean War.

What are your thoughts regarding this matter? Who do you think is in the right?

This conflict has been going on my entire life… and while the impending passing of one leader to another offers some promise, I’m not sure how this act plays a role in moving in that direction.

My concern is that the recent escalation is a reflection of:
1) A show of power when a country (or perhaps simply only its leader) is at its weakest (read: a Distraction: there have been many reports from out of the north, but it’s hard to be sure of what we’re told).
2) A show of power to indicate to the outgoing leader that the incoming one is as firm on the “enemy” as he was.

For completeness, the Korean War has never actually ended… an “armistice” was reached. While the fighting was halted (on 27/July/1953), both armies (as well as those of NATO forces) have been stationed on the boarder in effort to discourage further outbreaks… although there have been numerous over the years.

It should also not be overlooked how other countries respond when there are actions on the peninsula… I wonder how each of us from our varied perspectives interpret the responses?

Eh, just another "My guns are bigger than yours" moment. Theses little skirmishes (sinking SK ship, SK/NK troops on the border firing at each other,etc.) just indicates NK is looking for attention but not really for a war.

Until this escalates to full "Beat SK/NK with a stick" mode, I'm just gonna regard this as another skirmish between two countries that don't like each other.

As for who's right: unfortunately, the only sources are from SK/NK and both are suspect. Look at the "he did it, no she did it" thing going on:
-NK says SK took the first shot at Yeonpyeong island.
-SK says they did no such thing. Yes they did fire near that area, but no where near that island.
-SK ship sunk-blames NK.
-NK of course denies.
-SK/NK troops fire at each other on the land border
-NK fire shells at SK island
-SK pissed off
-NK says its protecting its interest

Bah, should just take the leaders of both lands, lock them up into a room, and let them duke it out. Seriously.

It doesn't really surprise me at all. North Korea has been known for pulling these types of things. More likely than not, North Korea did start it.

I just hope this isn't 'the straw the breaks the camel's back' so to speak. Hopefully things can be worked out peacefully.

The fact that NATO is involved on the border makes me uneasy. If a war starts, it does seem that NATO will help South Korea. And an invasion of North Korea by NATO would be bad strategically for the Chinese who might feel threatened enough to help N.Korea. If this happens, it could be potentially tragic.

But seeing N.Korea's history, I am pretty sure they started it. S.Korea does not dare attack them

Or SK could just be playing the "we are the victims" card to a more than willing audience. *shrugs*

I doubt this will escalate into a war with NATO/China involvement. The countries' talk big, but generally don't do squat.

The situation does worry me. I wish the two countries would just get along >< This conflict and division has been going on for far too long, IMO. Unfortunately, the world is never truly at peace but it would be nice to see some movement towards agreement between North and South Korea.

Looking at it politically, though, it wouldn't be smart for North Korea to actually wage war against South Korea. North Korea has no true allies who would back them up in war. Yes, China is probably their best bet but even China, with its policies becoming more U.S.-friendly, is being very cautious in being overly supportive of North Korea, at least on the outside.

In general, with Communism not being as popular as it was, North Korea has few other powerful countries to rely on in the event of war. If war breaks out, I'd bet that South Korea would win simply because they have the backing of so many other countries. It's my hope that North Korea realizes this and is only "showing off" rather than showing an intent to re-start the Korean War.

And now with war exercises, then it will be war, seriously, can't they ever get along?

@Theone

It's unlikely that there will be a war because of the exercises.

The media keeps calling it a 'show of force'. And this is entirely false. These exercises happen every year. These were going to happen even before the attack happened.

I don't think another war will start,because of the high amount of countries on South Korea's side.If North Korea is smart,it will not start another attack,neither use any "special" way to win,or dare to attack.Just let's hope that no powerful country gets onto North Korea's side....

The wikileaks documents that are just coming out may be interesting in this matter and show just who's helping or deterring the North and South. From one of the articles I read it looks like Iran's on the North's side as the North helped Iran to get its nuclear weapons.

Umm,I have one question,Jayshe,is the source of the document believable?Because most of the info and documents on the Internet must have a credible source in order to me valid info.

The wikileaks documents that were released today were valuable enough that the US was warning all it's allies about it. They're US State Departments documents that were leaked-here's a few of the statements from the paper:

The U.S. government, which was informed in advance of the contents, has contacted governments around the world, including in Russia, Europe and the Middle East, to try to limit any damage. Sources familiar with the documents say they include corruption allegations against foreign leaders and governments.

he White House said the leak of the diplomatic cables could compromise private discussions with foreign governments and opposition leaders and may put at risk the lives of named individuals living “under oppressive regimes.”

Apparently it's thousands and thousands of documents...even bigger than the Iraq leak of 400,000 documents a couple of months ago. I think it's pretty legit.

@jayshe: hehe awesome. Let's see the truth behind the lies US/other countries been trying to feed us.

@KTC lol my sentiments exactly! I can't wait to see what's considered important, what the US truly thinks about leaders/governments, and what the heck goes on behind our backs that we have no clue about. The games are about to begin!

Guys,this could be a game which could also keep us and destroy us.If any of that info leaks out,it might end up ugly,and all of us will end in suffering.Is that what you truly want?I better say that some doors must stay locked.

@klaus: sounds like a bit like paranoia and/or conspiracy theory. I seriously doubt anything's gonna happen as countries like to talk big but rarely do anything else.

KTC,it may be like that,but you would risk just for the entertainment of the others,really?

@klaus: Entertainment? It's not entertainment persay. It's getting to know what is really happening in one's country. I love my country but I hate knowing that my leaders has done horrible things and it won't tell us what its done. It tries to force-feed me lies and omissions to hide its actions.

With this massive leak, I'll be able to at least skim what my country's has been doing for the past years. It's a very nice feeling to finally know what your country's been up to, no tricks.

The Saudi Sheikh called our president a thorn in the path of success. Though I agree with him partially, These documents are going to create discord