As a recent visitor to Korea, I found your commentary quite interesting.

I sat for two days, on a Greyhound Bus driving across Canada, beside a young South Korean who had just finished his service. He told me horrific stories of his experience. However, I'm of mixed feelings as I voluntarily signed up for the Naval Reserves and while I found the experience to be trying, it was also one of the turning points of my young adult life. I am not a flag waver, but I was a better person after the difficulties I faced. Not everyone would even comtemplate my choice, and resistance would be even stronger when there is no choice in the matter of inlisting. So, I have much sympathy for the young men of Korea, and yet they are fully aware of their country's history which is wrought with occupation and threats.