US netizens wondering why South Korea still isn’t covering its own defense

Posted on : 2014-11-08 14:55 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
After another delay of OPCON transfer, online commenters vent frustration with ongoing US support

The American public is generally skeptical of the recent agreement to again delay the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) of the South Korean military, as comments posted on a news article suggest. While the comments made a variety of points - expressing bewilderment about the decision, venting frustration with the fact that their tax dollars being spent on South Korea, and even joking that South Korea should become an American state - they are overwhelmingly negative.

When the Army Times linked to an article about the OPCON agreement between South Korea and the US on its Facebook page, Matthew Unger commented, “60+ years, and the ROK has one of the strongest economies in the region, yet WE still pay for their defense.”

The Army Times is an independent weekly that caters to current and former US soldiers and their families.

Considering that the primary readership of Army Times is American soldiers and their families, the people who posted comments on the article are likely to be more interested in military affairs than the general public. Many of the comments express complaints that the US will have to cover costs associated with maintaining operational control of South Korean forces.

Many of the comments disparaged Korea. “Another country that just wants us to provide for them,” wrote Ryan Cumbie. “S. Korea ain’t getting rid of their meal ticket,” said Gary Bass. “So we should just make them a state then,” said Robert Allen Schlue.

Other comments expressed bafflement that South Korea - one of the world‘s most competitive countries in IT and other areas - is unwilling to take responsibility for its own defense.

“Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, and they refuse to take charge of their own military when it comes time to defend themselves?” Aaron wrote.

There were also comments that poked fun at Korea’s dependence on the US. “This isn’t surprising. Korea has been passing the buck for decades now. They just don’t want to spend money for their own security needs,” Kent said. “[We‘re] over in Korea because they can’t defend their own country. They need us a hell of [a lot] more than we need them,” Clint Applegarth wrote.

Miguel Pena brought up the topic of prostitution around US military bases. “Looks like the Juicys are going to keep getting their drinks for a while!” he said. “Juicys” is a reference to women who serve drinks at clubs near the bases. The comment suggests that prostitution may continue to occur near military bases if parts of the US bases remain at Yongsan and Dongducheon.

By Kim Oi-hyun, staff reporter

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