Plenty of developments in the kidnapping of 23 Korean missionaries in Afghanistan. The Taliban kidnappers are demanding a withdrawal of Korean troops and the release of 23 Taliban prisoners for the safe return of the Korean captives by 11:30PM Korean time today. The Afghan government has already said they will not release the Taliban prisoners and claim to have begun a military operation that has surrounded the location of the Taliban kidnappers. A false report by the AFP which is still up on the Donga Ilbo site claimed a rescue operation had been launched which has since been denied.
Korean negotiators have made contact with the kidnappers and are reportedly working out a deal. A doubt the Koreans will do an early withdrawal of Korean forces from Afghanistan and the release of Taliban prisoners seems unlikely. So the only alternative negotiating tool the Korean government has is to bribe them with cold hard cash. This is nothing new because the Germans and Italians have paid off the Taliban before as well much to the dismay of the Afghan government.
The families of the missionaries have been all over the news crying and saying the Korean government should meet the Taliban’s demands. Other have said that they are angered by the reaction of Koreans towards the captives:
The families of the hostages said they were angry about the cold reaction they’d gotten from fellow citizens. They said it was unfair they were viewed as extreme Christians who went on a forbidden mission trip. In reality, they said, the group was mostly students doing volunteer work.
I can think of plenty of good volunteer work they could have done right there in Korea. These 23 Koreans are extremely foolish and are putting their government, the Afghan government, and US forces in a difficult position because of their actions. Judging by this below picture it appears these people looked more like they were about to go on a scouting trip instead of heading to war torn Afghanistan:
They had a picture of the bus they were traveling in on the news and it looked like any bus you would see in Korea. Traveling on a bus like that just makes them stand out even more as foreigners and foreigners mean money to Taliban and criminal gangs. Something to remember is that many of the so called Taliban are actually criminal gangs out to make a buck and use the mujahadeen label as a cover for their criminal activities. It is the same thing in Iraq. For these people’s sake they best hope they have been kidnapped by a criminal gang instead of hard core Al Qaida/Taliban, who are willing to be bought off, because if not the alternatives are not good for them.
Popularity: 7%
My StumbleUpon Page
10:27 am on July 23rd, 2007 1
GI, I had some discussions with some of my KA friends this weekend and they have no sympathy for the captives. I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind taking a bus from Kandahar to Kabul.
12:54 pm on July 23rd, 2007 2
Ditto on that Icgrant,
Had a house full of relatives over this weekend. My brother in-law can’t believe how stupid those folks were going over there in the first place, everyone one agreed, my sister in-law said it’s the naive view of the world that gets most Koreans in trouble in places like this. I told that we have the same problem in the US at times. But she said, US has the balls to carry out punitive actions if negotiations failed. Short of my future scrum/brother in-law that didn’t make it down this time I love this folks..
2:05 pm on July 23rd, 2007 3
5:29 pm on July 23rd, 2007 4
What they did was very stupid, however I have plenty of sympathy, they do not deserve to be murdered. Then again I don’t expect the world to focus on the murderers, just the victims.
6:21 pm on July 23rd, 2007 5
Less religious nutjobs in the world = GOOD THING.
Regardless of which cult they are in.
7:07 pm on July 23rd, 2007 6
I’m a little aghast at the apparent “They reaped what they sow” attitude.
I admit, the kidnapped Koreans should have considered the risks. If I were their pastor, I’d advise them not to go. But they didn’t go there to turn a profit or to achieve some self serving end. (Like anti war activists who travel to war torn countries to offer themselves as “human shields” to discourage military action) They wanted to help the people there, and from what I hear they weren’t there merely to preach and convert. They offered medical help and other services.
Americans (prehaps the rest of the world) make grandiose statements about the war, poverty and genocide in Africa or whatever but won’t do anything about it. Error in judgement aside, these Korean missionaries actually ventured to do something positive in the world. Why are they being scorned
as fools?
I often hear leftists claim that American soldiers are wasting their lives in Iraq. Conspiracy theorists weave tales about how the army exploit the poor and the minorities with fianacial assistance. Indeed, this korean kidnapping is fodder for troop pullout arguments in Iraq. I don’t think the soldiers’ sacrifice in the middle east is for naught, just as I don’t dismiss this tragedy. Granted, you’re (probably?) better informed of the risk and in a proper position / setting for service with the army. But they both volunteered to make a difference.
Islamic terrorists kill themselves and others in the name of God. The kidnapped missionary made a poor decision that led to unnecasry peril, but it was out of noble intentions. WE, as korean christians, don’t deserved to be mocked as “nutjobs”.
Many korean Americans are Christians / conservatives. A fair amount of us (especially older generation) back the USA, especially on north korean issues. Mainaland Koreans sometimes view Korean American immigrants as sell outs or draft dodgers for this reason. I’ve read korean netizens describe us as “non pure Koreans” or “non patrtiots”. The Korean Media applaud their celebrities who give up their American citizenship as an apparent act of pledging allegiance to one Korea only. For us this kind of “Why have they burdened us with their stupidity” is not what we need to hear. We pray for the well being of this country and for progress in Iraq, so why is the sentiment not mutual?
7:17 pm on July 23rd, 2007 7
[...] Korea is also reporting that the tour group was motoring around Afghanistan in a jumbo-sized Korean-style tour bus. They [...]
8:36 pm on July 23rd, 2007 8
Surabol,
Just for the record I’m not anti-Korean Christian. I actually quite admire the work the Korean Christian groups are doing in regards to North Korean refugees in China. These groups are doing more than the rest of the world’s governments combined in aiding NK refugees. This is highly commendable.
I am anti-foolishness and riding on a new bus between Kabul and Kandahar without notifying the government of your activities as well as not hiring a security detail is extremely foolish. This foolishness has put multiple governments in difficult positions and if a raid is launched to rescue them then soldiers lives will be at risk as well. If the kidnappers are paid off for their release then either the criminals or the Taliban that has them has more money and incentive to conduct more kidnappings of civilians in the future.
People this naive as the picture in the posting quite clearly shows should not be in Afghanistan. These volunteers can do more good volunteering in a non-war zone if they are not willing to take proper security precautions in Afghanistan.
1:46 am on July 24th, 2007 9
Several groups of Christian ‘tourists’ also came and went during our involvement in Somalia. The silliest batch was a group of college students, but then they went up to Balad, where the ROKS had everything in pretty good control.
I did meet, and was deeply impressed by a couple of ladies with an organization called Korean Evangelical Mission for African Relief (KEMAR). The bulk of their work was done down in Masai land in Kenya, but they sent a couple of pretty tough broads up to an area south of Mogadishu, and they did pretty strightforward relief work. They were resourceful, and knew how to scrounge. They also had no illusions about how effective putting license plates on the truck that said “MISSION FROM GOD” might be; they hired their own gunmen, like every other sensible group.
When the ROK’s pulled out, I tried to get them to turnover a lot of the shit they were leaving behind to KEMAR, but the BN commander seemed to have already cut an under-the-table deal with some Korean contractors working UN contracts. There were always a lot of these cheesy Korean fast-buck artists around every UN operation.
The KEMAR people realized that there might be a market for live lobster among the UN catering companies, and started working with their villages to sell fresh seafood, and start bring in real money. The Brown & Root Texans thought the world of these ladies, and would do anything for them. The 11th MEU also fell in love with them, and gave them tons of medical supplies that otherwise would have been bulldozed into a pit. The Italian Army fixed their generator, but then the Italians didn’t have anything better to do.
When my team pulled out in April 94, we gave KEMAR our M1028 pickup, which we had inherited from the Marines, who in turn had stolen it from somebody else (an Army engineer unit, I think). I think we even issued them a clear title and registration from the “State of Anarchy DMV”.
In the work I do now, I run into groups of Korean missionaries in China. China does not want these people, so mostly they minister to local South Koreans doing business there. They live at least as well, if not better than they would be in the ROK.
3:23 am on July 24th, 2007 10
Acts 21:10-14 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ”
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
12:28 pm on July 24th, 2007 11
Reguardless of intentions, they were/are foolish individuals. Perhaps God will protect them. Perhaps it is God’s will that they die in his name. Whichever way it goes, the members of their church should shed no tears, as they went in Gods name. Just as the Taliban honors those that die for Alla, the Korean Christians should honor those among them that die in Christ name. Gods will be done.
On a side note, the war between Christians and Muslims has been going on for quite some time now. No matter what the Christain Leaders of today my say or think, the Muslims remember the past, the Christains have forgotten. I know I had.
3:43 pm on July 24th, 2007 12
Leon Laporte ,
“Less religious nutjobs in the world = GOOD THING.
Regardless of which cult they are in.”
You are an ass, if they aren’t hurting anyone they can be as stupid as they want, I won’t come rescue them but that is not the same as deserving to die. Ass clowns (aka you) who wish peaceful people being murdered who are murdered in turn= GOOD THING, Doubleplus good fool.
3:49 pm on July 24th, 2007 13
Just for the record, I did not condem the kids from going to Afghanistan. I said anyone who takes a bus from Kandahar to Kabul is not in their right mind. I have been there and when the security conditon/threat changed/increased, I refused to travel by road to a destination on that particular highway; even with a heavily armed military escort. If you do not believe me, ask the Canadians, Romainens or Poles and they will tell you how silly traveling unescorted on that road is.
4:16 pm on July 24th, 2007 14
It’s ok, they have Jesus to protect them.
4:20 pm on July 24th, 2007 15
lcgrant,
I don’t have any problem with what you said, it is the drooling morons who have no logic skills that amaze me. If you do stupid things then you logically may have bad things happen to you, however it does not morally empower someone to murder you. Case in point: when I was growing up a drunk young lady in a sexy dress was walking alone downtown when she was attacked and brutally raped. She did something very stupid but she in no way deserved what happened to her. We trivialize evil deeds when we think someone didn’t do the smart thing. I caught a childhood friend running with sissors, did he deserve to have his head cut off? No. He took a foolish risk and might have cut or killed himself, but if an adult ran in and killed him the adult is responsible. Going to A-land on missionary or missionary sponsored work is very stupid, but it does not make you “religious nutjob” and it does not give someone the “right” to kill you, and it certainly is not a “GOOD THING.” Those actions make you “stupid”, your kidnapper/killer a “murderer”, and it is a “BAD THING.”
9:50 pm on July 24th, 2007 16
Hamilton
Double dumbass to you, sir. Because of these peoples moronic beliefs (both sides) they are likely to get many OTHER people killed.
10:15 pm on July 24th, 2007 17
What Hamilton’s saying is true.
And by the way, these people’s beliefs arent moronic in any sense. They went over there to offer their knowledge. Most of them were teachers or doctors. They tried to help the people of the war-torn nation, and yet we critisice them for being foolish and threatening our security, even though we are safe in our own homes. That is moronic
1:21 am on July 25th, 2007 18
I agree with Danny.
It is obvious that Korea owes much of its progress to the USA, but the first ones to inniciate this process were american missionaries. I’m sure when they decided to come to korea they were called morons and idiots, but now look at the result of their sacrifice.
If it’s true that god’s will is meant to be known only by god all we can do for now is to wait and see what happens. Who knows something good may result from this event.
2:56 am on July 25th, 2007 19
What would you feel if these things happen to yourself? or your family? those 23 missionaries and their families are pleading for God’s and the world’s support at this very moment. And all you guys can do is saying things like how stupid they are. Imagine if you’re in their shoes, wouldn’t you hope the same thing from the world?
Right now, these guys must be praying like never before. If you still have faith in you, pray for them. Pray with them. DONT JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT like Dr. Yu!
7:13 am on July 25th, 2007 20
Once again just for the record I have never said their beliefs are idiotic. Driving on a brand new bus between Kabul and Kandahar without notifying the government or having a security detail is idiotic. If this group was not willing to take proper security precautions they should have never went to Afghanistan to begin with. There is plenty of volunteer work that can be done in Korea or another less hostile country. Judging by the photos at Incheon Airport they were looking at this as some kind of scouting trip instead of entering a war zone.
Over at the Marmot’s Hole he had a picture of them at the airport laughing and posing in front of the travel warning sign to Afghanistan that was emplaced at the airport. They obviously didn’t take this trip very seriously but I’m sure they are now. Their stupidity hopefully doesn’t end up with them being killed but all the options on how this will turn out are not good. Either the kidnappers get a pay day which funds more weapons and explosives for more kidnappings and murders in the future or a rescue operation gets launched where US soldiers lives will be put on the line to save them. The prisoner swap option seems unlikely since the Afghan government says they won’t do it, but if that does happen then you have 23 killers released back into the wilds of Afghanistan to go and murder more people.
Their foolishness not their religious beliefs have embarrassed their government, strained relations with the Afghan government, and put the US in a difficult position of how to rescue them.
8:02 am on July 25th, 2007 21
Sir Leonel,
Sorry for my ignorance.
Please teach me, show me what else should I do than just praying. Aren’t you suggesting me to play Rambo in Afganistan, aren’t you?
10:33 am on July 25th, 2007 22
Leon Laporte, nice straw man, but logic as proven by your pithy ramblings isn’t one of your strengths, laughing at the possible deaths of others who have harmed no one but themselves apparently is. Keep the thinking to the adults and go back to your video game. As for being a human your unique qualities won’t rate you very high amongst the religious or atheists.
…
GI Korea, I wasn’t attacking you, they are very stupid but they don’t deserve to die. It is a moral equivalency of some of the commenters are making that I am attacking. Break into someone’s house late at night with a gun and you might deserve to die, go do public works in Afghanistan and you don’t but both might end in your death since both are very risky and stupid.
…
I have infinitely more compassion for the missionaries who go to war torn countries to help people whether or not they preach on the side than the mega rich moron mountain climbers who need to rescued every year at great expense and danger to emergency personnel. One set of people actually are sacrificing time and effort to help the other set is only interested in their own personal gratification. At the end of the day the mountain climber might actually deserve to die, the missionary requires a terrorist/criminal to make that happen.
10:51 am on July 25th, 2007 23
I am a Korean in Vietnam currently, to help the locals here. I am only 15 years old and it broke my heart when I was told the news of the Korean Missionaries.
I take this time right now to tell all you bloggers:
These people may look foolish. They may look like they did not plan well because they went in a war-torn country. Their mission, however, (and I am sure that they were aware) would never be an easy one: physically, mentally, spiritually.
So why did they go?
The work, and message, that they want to give is needed most in that country. Despite the harm that could come on to them, they decided to sacrifice what they had in order to go: time, money, comfort, etc.
People can say: “Why didn’t they just pick a safer country?”
Well, if all missionaries did that, who would preach to the ones that live in the dangerous countries? Are they to be in darkness the whole time?
6:41 pm on July 25th, 2007 24
Michael Lee = you are foolish and naive to think that Christians have a divine right to preach the gospel in a land where being an infidel makes you a marked target for death.
In fact, the only people more foolish then you are those who actually believe that you are a 15 year old missionary in vietnam.
12:24 pm on July 27th, 2007 25
The disciples did not understand Jesus going to Jerusalem either. Did He have a “Right” to be there? Is there freedom of religion? Then why would Chrisitians be ridiculed as “nutcases?” If one is free to feel religion is nonsense then that is it’s own belief system. Why is your scepticism/atheism more justified? Christians know that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” but Jesus came to “seek and save the lost.” This He did “for God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Therefore we are bound by Jesus’ great commission “Go into all the world”. We have done so through out the ages and we will continue to do so until Jesus returns. I pray for the brave missionaraies and I pray for any lost souls out there who rail against God’s people.
Bro G
2:33 pm on July 27th, 2007 26
I don’t see any problem with their religion or the fact they are missionaries. What I have a problem with is that they undertook going to Afghanistan as some kind of boy scout trip.
I think Michael Hurt’s postings are quite interesting about why this boy scout mentality exists with Korean missionaries:
http://metropolitician.blogs.com/scribblings_of_the_metrop/2007/07/victims-of-the-.html
http://metropolitician.blogs.com/scribblings_of_the_metrop/2007/07/cunning-christi.html
7:56 am on July 28th, 2007 27
Unless they spent 22 hours in PC game rooms, the missionaries probably were not completely oblvious to the risk. You’re going to Afghanistan, not France.
Certain blame must fall on the ones who organized this trip, or was in charge of opertion among the group. How do you forget or not follow the necesary protocols or security measures? No one told them not to ride buses without notifying the government?
I can’t help but to recall a recent testimony by a Korean Missionary who went to North Korea. Over there the government is on you like white on rice. They go where you go, (sometimes decide where you go) meet people that you meet, and make every effort to prevent you from tarnishing the image of the “great father”. The citizenry give pre determined answers and are brainwashed and indoctrinated to believe that America and the west are the enemy. Or that Kim Jong Il just falls short of being a god. If you build a hospital or treat the sick, they’ll prep the opening ceremonies and photo op (designed praises Kim for HIS generosity)
That sounds like horrible oppression, but at least it kept the missionary safe. The North Korean government exerts TOTAL control over the country, and their people are intimidated and brainwashed to obey and priase their masters. There hasn’t been a major coup attempt in North Korea for a long time. The very thought of a band of NK renegades kidnapping South Koreans (who received permission from the NK gov to enter) and forcing Kim to participate in the ransom process is unthinkable. If you were ever caught, you’re not sent to Gitmo. YOU DIE, in front of the gate of your house, while the whole community watches.
3:30 am on July 29th, 2007 28
what is to be said? these guys took the true meaning of christianity to heart! while some may look on them as foolish, i as a christians say Well done!they did as Jesus commanded. they spread the good news!!! they will trully be blessed by it! they will shine like the stars forever and ever Dan 12:3 - and in the words of jesus let none fall away on account of him! i am praying for them and i know my God the God of heaven and earth, who rules on high has them in the parm of his hand! OUR GOD REIGNS Worship him all you saint!
3:39 am on July 29th, 2007 29
Manford - what you will never get is that as christians we live for more that the existing world. we know that there is so much more than just this life! our lives here are but a whisper,here one second and gone the next!they did not go in blindly they went in because ” a man is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose!”
3:48 am on July 29th, 2007 30
Micheal Lee - bro you are encouraging! my husband to be is a youth pastor and is preparing his sermon for church tomorrow and as we have both read over your blog we are blessed by you! and all the others! keep rocking… for me to die is gain!!!
Much love fron South Arfica!
4:41 am on July 29th, 2007 31
With Bro G and Bianca, we finally have some reason.
I, too, don’t know why everybody is making a big deal of this. There is no need for tedious negotiations or violent commando raids.
God will take care of them… and if the end result appears to us that he hasn’t, it is only because we don’t understand His ways.
In fact, if they are all killed in the service of God, we should rejoice… as they will immediately enter the Kingdom of Heaven and experience no more earthly suffering.
Refusing to negotiate and ignoring the kidnappers might be doing God’s work as we hasten the return of His flock to His kingdom.
J!
5:09 pm on July 29th, 2007 32
You can damn the Talibans, but it was the pastor who was the true idiot. Somehow, the idiot was able to convince 22 others to do the same.
I am not sure if the murdered pastor was whole lot better than Jim Jones, who convinced hundreds to kill themselves for their beliefs. And I do believe going to Afganistan as Christian missionaries was something akin to killing themselves.
In the end, they may all end up dead for their beliefs, whether they had good intention or not is besides the point. They may come back as corpses thanks to their stupidity and one grandoise idiot with a big nice smile to boot.
5:21 pm on July 29th, 2007 33
Hamilton, the missionaries do not deserve to get murdered as much as those who cut themselves and jump into a pool of Pirahnas do not deserve to get eaten.
You can damn the Pirahnas, but who can argue that it was totally undeserving?
Sometimes stupid mistakes are of a fatal variety, as this one clear was. The worst is that I believe there will be more deaths coming. Let’s hope not.
2:20 pm on July 30th, 2007 34
i just saw the youtube videos and i am disappointed. in the video, afgani children are saying phrases such as “praise god” in KOREAN. Do these AFGANI children even understand what they are saying? To call this kind of work “mission” is nonsense. lets face the truth, these idiots did not know what they were getting into. the pictures and video prove it, these “missionaries” were “roughing it” so they can go back to their Korean churches and brag to their churchmembers. its amazing how silly people can really be. If i was an afgani child growing up in a war-torn nation, i would gladly chant whatever these weirdos want me to as long as i get my free meals and medical care.
btw, i am korean and i used to go to a korean church.
11:10 pm on July 30th, 2007 35
“The pastor deserved to get shot”
What an idiot comments and the way this guy hides his identity shows that he knows this perfectly.
11:15 pm on July 30th, 2007 36
“mark frank lee”
By your answer I presume you consider yourself better then them. At least they bothered to go there to do something for them. It is obvious that your comment is based on your hate toward the Christians. The only difference between you and the talebans is that instead of guns you are killing them with your stupid comments.
4:05 am on July 31st, 2007 37
I read most of these comments and you guys tear my heart!
These guys know that Jesus Christ died for their sins. It was the ultimate offering. They were not stupid and they were not idiots. Backstabbers! They were crazy for Jesus Christ. Most of you guys don’t know how that feels, leaving a remarkable stupid comment. They were so crazy they would risk their life. And now they are being tortured with guns. Its been a week and they had eaten nothing. The Afgannistan already killed the pastor. The families in korea are crying right now. Why have a narrow mind? Please think of others.
So tell me who is going to heaven? the hostages or the stupid commenters sitting infront of their computers not doing a thing to change our corrupt world.
1:40 pm on July 31st, 2007 38
Dr Yu, if you are so smart, why don’t you go and join the Korean Missionaries in Afganistan? I am sure they will need your medical expertise.
By the way, I have noticed that Koreans have stopped sending missionaries to Afganistan recently. Could this be a sign of lack of faith? Or just a sign that not all Korean Christians are total idiots?
You tell me.
10:46 pm on July 31st, 2007 39
“The pastor deserved to get shot”
Come on, I know that for you it has nothing to do with faith but your hate toward christians and koreans. It does not matter if what they did is right or wrong, they just dont deserve to be trated the way you treat them. At least the only one suffering from their action are themselves. You have no right to complain or critizize them.
Also why are you talking about faith? you don’t know anything about it, are you christian?
2:25 pm on August 1st, 2007 40
Dear Lord,
As you intervened with your angels when Daniel was in the lion’s den, I ask You to intervene with Your holy, mighty hand to protect and deliver from evil these Korean sisters and brothers in the family of Christ.
Regardless of the wisdom of this mission, they went to honor You, and in Your name I ask you to bring glory to Yourself, and if it be Your will, deliver them and bring them home safely to their families.
Sustain their family members with Your peace and comfort which passes all understanding.We commit this to You, and thank You that You care and love each person on this earth.
I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
5:19 pm on August 1st, 2007 41
Hmmm…
One of my best friends in the whole world is a Ranger… a true, professional soldier.
He and a couple of buddies were drinking at my house one night and the dog in the yard next door wouldn’t stop barking.
“I have prayed to God for a month for that dog to stop barking,” I said.
He and his buddies looked at each other, shut off all the lights and slipped out the door. They were back in a few minutes… and the dog never barked again.
I don’t pray to God any more. I pray to Rangers. They get things done.
After listening to comments from the victims, their families and the Korean media, I think I’m starting to see a trend.
Funny, how in times of crisis, the American military replaces God on the short list of entities expected to truly solve problems.
J!
5:56 pm on August 1st, 2007 42
I hope the remaining hostages get back to the ROK safely and the rest of the ROK citizens learn a valuable lesson from them.
However, if the Taliban keep their word and kill the hostages, then, the ROK should declare war against the Taliban. The ROK should send troops to collect enough Taliban bodies to save their face and then leave the country.
The Taliban are bullies and the Koreans are victims. Koreans should stop being victims of bullies, like Japan, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban.
12:52 am on August 2nd, 2007 43
American army god? hahaha !!!! I wish god catch Bin Laden….
12:59 am on August 2nd, 2007 44
By slapping the face of koreans in moments like this americans are loosing a wonderfull chance to improve it’s image before the korean society. The korean “anti-american” group rejoices ….
1:51 am on August 2nd, 2007 45
Christian missionaries in Korea have several organizations all competing for funds. Recently, the most dangerous and challenging places seem to be the way to go for catching those elusive funds. In the end, it wasn’t preaching and conversion or even helping those poor Afghans, it was just a matter of seeing who could send a mission to the most dangerous place on earth.
We can make grandiose statements justifying their actions after the fact, but in the end it was a foolish thing to do and the head pastor of that church should be held legally and morally responsible.
Also, I am sick and tired of seeing the Korean army helpless. They have 700,000 conscripts all sitting on the 38th parallel DMZ and meanwhile Koreans get their heads chopped off in Iraq, Korean engineers get kidnapped in Nigeria, Korean merchant sailors and ships get jacked in Somalia, now this. Why can the Koreans not field a special forces to rescue its citizens?
2:42 am on August 2nd, 2007 46
“the head pastor of that church should be held legally and morally responsible.”
He was the first hostage murdered.
“By slapping the face of koreans in moments like this americans are loosing a wonderfull chance to improve it’s image before the korean society.”
Yes, it is deeply disappointing to see the US squander potential goodwill with Koreans and refuse to release dangerous insurgents who will kill US and Afghan soldiers and civilians.
3:20 am on August 2nd, 2007 47
I would love to see the ROK Army be unleashed to put the fear of God into the Taliban. They are fully capable of doing so. That is the kind of witnessing the Taliban understands.
But that would require the ROK Government to grow a pair of Balls.
I do not believe that is possible at this time.
The ROK Government is losing a great opportunity to show the World how Strong and independent a Nation it is.
Talk about losing Face!
I feel sorry for the Korean People today. Their Government has let them down.
I do not feel sorry for the Christian Missionaries. They knew what they were getting into. They should have. Accourding to the faith, their reward will be great.
In any case, it has little to do with America. Korea must rescue its people.
If America even tried to rescue them, and one was killed, as is very likely, we know what would happen. It would be a hate-fest in the streets to rivel those seen in 2002. No way Jack! This is Korea’s Party.
11:56 am on August 2nd, 2007 48
“Yes, it is deeply disappointing to see the US squander potential goodwill with Koreans and refuse to release dangerous insurgents who will kill US and Afghan soldiers and civilians.”
I was not talking about military assistance. It is clear that US army can’t even protect themselves in afganisthan. I was talking about those who are insulting the kidnapped people in this blog. You are laughing on others’s disgrace. How do you expect korean people to feel sympathy for you? You are just feeding the anti-american sentiment in Korea.
12:14 pm on August 2nd, 2007 49
I was supporting the korean help to american army in Afganisthan, but after the insults here I’m changing my mind.
I also dislike the fact that you are trying to use this situation to force korean army to kill people in Afganisthan. Honestly I prefer the hostages to die than to send korean soldiers to kill people there. If the hostages die they will be considered heores and this will fuel the anti-american feeling in Korea.
I hate the talebans but they kidnapped the hostages because of the american “campaign” to chase terrorist in the world. Remember, the muslims terrorists attacks USA because of american intervention in middle east for oil.
2:21 pm on August 2nd, 2007 50
“I was talking about those who are insulting the kidnapped people in this blog. “
Only three out of the dozen or so comments made derogatory remarks about the hostages. One commenter with an offending username is clearly a troll. Before you get too angry at those few Western commenters here, please go read some Korean netizen message boards about the hostage crisis. You will find similarly derogatory remarks about the hostages’ trip and Korean Christians in general. Will you hate your fellow Koreans and wish them ill for voicing the same sentiments?
4:27 pm on August 2nd, 2007 51
Sonagi; you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. But I fear that you waist your time trying to explain logic to Yu. He is a victim of his own hate. But he can be amuseing when you pull his strings just right. Sorry, that was very small of me—but still true. He simply enjoys his hate of America a great deal.
He reminds me of this guy at the train station years ago. A Korean Woman was talking to me about directions. He gave us the “look” and walked behind us and said something he thought I woundn’t understand. It was ugly and stupid and I said something similar back to him, and he shuffled off talking under his breath.
Ah, the bad old days.
5:16 pm on August 2nd, 2007 52
Hmmm…
I don’t know, Dr. Yu. If you change your mind about the Korean military supporting America’s actions in Afghanistan because of a few comments on an anonymous Internet site, I have to wonder how strong it was to begin with.
Everyone,
O.K. Here is the deal from the ChickenHead Institute of International Relations.
Korea has about 3 choices.
Option Number One: Military action!
With the quiet assistance of American intel and air support, ROK SF goes in, kicks ass and puts toweled heads on sticks with an efficiency and brutality unseen in today’s PC world.
Plus: With a successful operation, the embattled Roh administration beams with pride, new Korean heroes are generated domestically and the world learns “If You Fuck With the ROK, You Get the Cock!”… and discover what kimchee tastes like as you eat it from your own ass. Any failure can be blamed on faulty American intel through “leaks” despite any official promise not to.
Minus: There may be some act(s) of terrorism in Korea because of this… causing an uncomfortable reordering of society… and a shake-up in the labor market as the focus on anti-Americanism shifts onto anti-dark-skinned-Asian.
Winners: Korean Pride… whiting. Korean nationals overseas… who will be avoided by terrorists and kidnappers in favor of spineless French and caving Italians. America… if there is a terrorist act in the country and Koreans suddenly like the security of an anti-terrorism military presence. Catholic Filipinos… who rush to fill job vacancies left by South Asians. Korean media… who will report every aspect to a hungry public and then make simultaneous 10-part mind-numbing dramas on every network. Sponsors of the dramas… “this episode brought to you by Daewoo, proud makers of the K-2 rifle and carbine as seen in the World-Famous Korean Hostage Rescue of 2007.”
Losers: Kidnappers… or what’s left of them. 47 million Koreans… who may no longer live in the safest country in the world. America… if they get any blame.
Option Number Two: Payoff!
The kidnappers milk the Korean government a payoff at a time until both parties are somewhat privately embarrassed that the whole deal could actually go down like that. As soon as their health is looking shaky and they don’t look like they will last much longer or generate much more income, they will be released as per Allah’s Will.
Plus: It’s all forgotten and Korean society quickly returns to normal as the media runs a shocking story on Fan Death and a 4-part expose on Distinct Seasons.
Minus: The world snickers the next time Korea talks tough internationally. Japan test-bombs Guam and starts thinking the word “Tok-do” just doesn’t look quite right on a map.
Winners: The laughing kidnappers… as they count their cash and start checking the Internet to see when the next batch of Korean tourist-missionaries arrive. Potential kidnappers… in other countries who don’t yet have any money but do have an Internet connection do the same. Korean missionaries… who breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have a big safety net when they go dicking around with poor planning where they aren’t wanted. Koreans in Korea… who can go on about life knowing that “terrorism” is a problem of Other Places and are willing to exchange this for the small expense of a payoff or two in a distant land.
Losers: Koreans around the world who start to look much like walking dollar signs with a hint of garlic.
Option Number Three: Do Nothing!
The Korean government tells the kidnappers, “Hey, guys we told ‘em not to go… so it isn’t really our problem. By the way, did you see what the Italians paid?”
Plus: Only a few more groups of Koreans will be kidnapped before everyone realizes they are a pain in the ass to keep and worth less than Won on the open market.
Minus: Korean citizens’ faith in government will go way down. There will be a dark national feeling between the time the body bags are unloaded and Speed 3 is released in theaters.
Winners: Christian hostages… who will meet God a whole lot faster than they ever suspected. Taxpayers who don’t have to finance the other two options or any true anti-terrorism measures in Korea.
Losers: Atheist hostages… who are going to get shot in the head and dumped into a ditch. President Roh… who’s popularity rating will approach the square root of negative one.
Any other options I didn’t think about?
J!
5:54 pm on August 2nd, 2007 53
“You will find similarly derogatory remarks about the hostages’ trip and Korean Christians in general.”
I’m upset over the Korean netizens are trying to separate the “christian” from “Korean”. Some post images of radical Christians vandalizing buddhist temples and using bible thumping tactics and pointing out to “christian behavior”. (Was the deragatory term “Gae dok gyo” popular even before this incident?) Apparently it’s Christians don’t heed their government, disrepect other cultures and act rashly. Not Koreans.
But wait… what about the Dokdo movement? Cutting off your fingers, eating the Japanese flag, dumping garbage in front of the Japense consulate, school teachers encouraging students to draw “we hate Japan” art to promote pro dokdo sentiment? Crazed Protesters displaying heads of animals and dumping crap on people? Surely, they’re all not Christians? Didn’t buddhists monk stage one HELL of a riot against the police a few years back?
I shake my head at korean netizens who sneer at hardcore Korean Chrisitians (microphone yielding demonstraters). They’re YOUR PEOPLE, they’re merely incorporating the Korean brand of “in your face” tactics and fanaticism into their evangelazing. Some Korean Christian are overzealous enough to decapitate a stone buddha to proclaim the soverignty of the Lord. A crazed dokdo defender might chop off her finger to protest Japanese policy on that isle. They’re cut from the same blood.
I don’t know too many American Christians who are blunt enough to blurt “Go to hell without Jesus” to a perfect stranger on the street. I find Christians here complacent about their faith, but sometimes it’s not such a bad thing.
7:18 am on August 3rd, 2007 54
How come Korean Christians are not sending any more hostages, I mean missionaries, to Afganistan for Jesus?
I thought any stupid act was OK as long as it was for Jesus?
9:01 am on August 3rd, 2007 55
I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100% regarding n Missionary Kidnapping Update at ROK Drop, but it’s just my opinion, which could be wrong
10:57 am on August 3rd, 2007 56
“The pastor deserved to get shot”
You are right, they decided not to go afganisthan anymore, They realized that morons like you needs their aid more than the people in afganisthan. Hahaha !!! Don’t worry it’s for free because Jesus loves you.
11:14 am on August 3rd, 2007 57
“He is a victim of his own hate. ……. He simply enjoys his hate of America a great deal.”
I repeat… It’s hard to be sympathetic with americans when reading insults like the ones here. Some said something about “reaping what you sow”, well I think this is what happens to americnas in Korea since they really try hard to be heated by koreans.
I repeat again … you are feeding the korean anti-american feeling, and that’s not wise of you.
You don’t have to love koreans. Nobody have to love koreans, but if you want to be respected by koreans in korea, be wise and show respect to them, but if you don’t want to do so, than at least try to pretend that you respect them. That’s what I would do in your place.
11:18 am on August 3rd, 2007 58
“I repeat again … you are feeding the korean anti-american feeling, and that’s not wise of you.
You don’t have to love koreans. Nobody have to love koreans, but if you want to be respected by koreans in korea, be wise and show respect to them, but if you don’t want to do so, than at least try to pretend that you respect them. That’s what I would do in your place.”
It is not a threat or a menace, it is just an advise.
1:31 pm on August 3rd, 2007 59
Yu, Didn’t mean to get you upset. I wasn’t even trying to pull your strings.
That was just a Sad outpouring of hate Yu. Not going to win any points THAT WAY.
Get some help son. You care far too much about what koreans think of Americans. Speaking for myself only, I don’t care nearly as much about what Koreans think of Americans as you do.
Your one of the reasons. But it is fun when you get your panties in a wad!
POINT #1; Korean anti-Americanism needs no feeding. It lives off hot air.
POINT #2; “Not Wise”. What are you going to do about it. Give me money?
POINT #3; Respect what? A country that blams it’s big brother for all that is wrong.
POINT #4; “Thats what I would do”. I’ve never been a good lier Yu. I either respect you or you know I don’t.
POINT #5; I know it’s not a threat or a menace. Korea is showing the world that it is not capable of either as I type. The WORLD!
I’m sure that Uncle Kim up north is watching. I wonder what he is THINKING!
I’m just an old country boy from the back woods. I know nothing of such things. Any ideas?
3:17 pm on August 3rd, 2007 60
If Jesus loves the Taliban, then how come Korean Christians are not sending any more missionaries?
Does this mean that Jesus don’t like those Talibans who are raping those poor but utterly stupid Korean missionaries right now?
If Korean Christians had any real faith, then they should be sending MORE misionaries to Afgan to make a point that Jesus still loves their murderous and rapist asses. The total lack of faith that Korean Christians are displaying is totally demoralizing!
5:24 pm on August 3rd, 2007 61
Can we please stop the insults, and pray for these missionaries to be saved from the Talebans. I think trading insults at this critical stage is not the way forward. We are talking about lives - the mothers, fathers, and brothers and sisters of people like you. Do we want these people released or we want them all killed. The course of Jesus must triumph, and not the devil’s.
1:53 am on August 4th, 2007 62
Daddy Dan,
Thanks for your wisdom. It was an advise. You can accept it if you want. It’s up to you. I’m giving the advise out of my experience of someone living in a foreign country too. I suffer discrimination and prejudice here too.
Sonagi, you are right, it’s unfair to blame all americans for what just some people do.
Alfred, I agree.
4:19 am on August 4th, 2007 63
Alfred, I don’t believe that it matters what we sinners want. Do you presume to know the course that Jesus wants? I don’t think I have that high a security clearance.
As far as the “way forward”, I’m not sure there is a “forward” in this situation. The way forward was to avoid this situation. Twenty three individuals desired to do something stupid. The reasons for this are nolonger important.
The way forward for some of them will be death. Maby all. What we want doesn’t matter.
What I wonder now, is how many additional deaths will be caused by the actions of a few.
Will the ROK send in a rescue mission? If it does, now many brave ROK Soldiers will die. To save the lives of those who either do not know or do not care about the consequences of their actions.
If the ROK does a payoff, how many people will die because of the weapons the payoff will buy?
No matter what the course of action taken next. More people will die because of a group of Christians that went forward where they shouldn’t. Without a care of the Consequences of their actions.
Very selfish of them or very stupid. Take your pick.
But the time for a “way forward” past when they got on the bus.
Yu, I can understand discrimination and prejudice. As a White Man in Korea, I felt it from time to time. I felt it in the Military in the states from Hispanics and African-American Supervisiors. I don’t care much for either of those two Races these days. Although I have had friends from both.
So don’t worry Yu, every group is hated my some other group. But Americans are hated by all. So it would seem.
2:11 am on January 1st, 2008 64
[...] - July - 23 Korean missionaries were kidnapped in Afghanistan with two being murdered by the Taliban. The Korean government pays multi-million dollar bribe to [...]
10:32 am on February 12th, 2008 65
[...] the fiasco of the Korean hostage crisis last year that led to the Taliban receiving millions of dollars in ransom money from the South [...]
6:47 am on March 12th, 2008 66