I just put up a post at TMH with links to photos and maps of the area. There was a simple green fence that definitely does not look like something that would protect a military installation, and there is a tiny “Do not enter” sign on the far left, which would not be visible to beach walkers near the water. The Hankyoreh is reporting that on the previous day, six people also went past the fence into the restricted area, and there have been other trespassers. The North’s account of the woman walking 3.3 km in 20 minutes over sand is dubious. A witness has verified the location of the shooting, but it is highly unlikely that the woman walked as far into the restricted area as the North has claimed. Was a sentry trigger-happy or was this planned?

http://rokdrop.com/2008/07/13/north-korea-demands-apology-after-killing-south-korean-civilian/

Did the North Koreans willfully drag her out of bed at 4:30 AM–did they make her cross boundaries? NO. Her choice and her mistake.

Tens of thousands of tourists, one boundary-crosser.

She was at least the second. It was reported yesterday that last year a minister also wandered into the same area and was detained and released. I don’t think it was reported at the time and only came out now, so there may well have been others.

The shooting of this woman is beginning to sound even more outrageous but I would surprised if it leads to any outrage in the South Korean public.

Korean netizens are angry. The most rec’d comments on related news threads at Naver are calling for mass candlelight vigils at Geumgangsan, one noting that not a single Korean has died from Mad Cow. A couple other commenters responding to the Korean version of the “let’s keep a cool head and not blame anyone” Hanky piece reminded the paper of its strong stance after two Koreans were forcibly detained on a US military base and wondered where the outrage was now.

There does seem to be a silent majority that is tired of the demos and wants normalcy. LMB is less than a year into office, and if he plays his cards right, I think he can overcome his current low popularity ratings and put leftists back on the defensive. The shooting death of Ms. Park and relations with North Korea would be a good start as there is palpable anger at the killing of a middle-aged housewife.

Ahh, sarcasm, now there’s a good argument. Just as logical as the beef protests itself. Science? We don’t need no stickin’ science! We’ve got signs!

Not sure why you say no argument can be lost “again.” No argument against demonstrators has been lost to begin with. This is just one more illustration of how out of whack their priorities are and how nonsensical the reasons behind the protests are to begin with. If the concern is truly “safety,” clearly sticking a couple million South Koreans in the middle of a militarized zone should trump eating beef. But it doesn’t. Why? Beats me. Maybe you can explain it.