By The international investigation into the sinking of the South Korean naval vessel that killed 46 ROK sailors will finally release their long awaited report blaming the North Koreans for the attack:
South Korea will formally blame North Korea on Thursday for launching a torpedo at one of its warships in March, causing an explosion that killed 46 sailors and heightened tensions in one of the world’s most perilous regions, U.S. and East Asian officials said.
South Korea reached its conclusion that North Korea was responsible for the attack after investigators from Australia, Britain, Sweden and the United States pieced together portions of the ship at the port of Pyongtaek, 40 miles southwest of Seoul. The Cheonan sank on March 26, following an explosion that rocked the vessel as it sailed in the Yellow Sea off South Korea’s west coast.
The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because South Korea has yet to disclose the findings of the investigation, said that subsequent analysis determined that the torpedo was identical to a North Korean torpedo that had previously been obtained by South Korea. [Washington Post]
First of all let me just say that the Lee government did a relatively good job with building an international consensus that the North Koreans sunk the ship. I suspect they knew early on the North Koreans sunk the ship, but felt that if they immediately came out against the North Koreans the usual international North Korea apologists and domestic fifth column activists within South Korea would go mad cow crazy.
You can read more at the link on the supposed response to the ship’s sinking is going to be, but one of the options was to delay the operational control hand over in 2012 which I believe the US should strongly resist. I also found it interesting that supposedly the Obama administration has finally realized that the North Koreans have no intention of giving up their nuclear weapons, which even the Bush administration foolishly thought was possible.
As far as responding to the sinking of the Cheonan I have already offered my suggestions, which I think will be interesting to see how many of them become reality in the coming months.
3:25 pm on May 18th, 2010 1
I agree that the ROK government has done a good job on this one. At the time of the sinking, it would have been an enormous headache to deal with, but the government is showing an admirable amount of cool-headedness and logical thinking.
4:44 pm on May 18th, 2010 2
Nothing will happen. Absolutely nothing. South Korea is weak and reminds me of the kid who gets his milk money taken from him every day whild getting his ass kicked. 46 innocent people are dead and for what? N.A.G.D.T!
Funny how we talk about how great a job South Korea did in building a "concensus of nations". Tell me what is more effective: building a concensus of nations or taking action like the Russians did with the Somali pirates?
9:04 pm on May 18th, 2010 3
Does anyone actually want anything to happen? I don't think taking actions like the Russians did with pirates is comparable…these pirates are scarier.
9:17 pm on May 18th, 2010 4
It will be used for political gain in the upcoming June 2 elections, but probably little else will happen. It's a shame because justice calls for some retribution.
9:46 pm on May 18th, 2010 5
Long-time reader and first-time poster here. I like GI Korea's original ideas for what should happen with two additions:
1) Open a series of 'refugee assistance centers' along the NK-China border so that fleeing NK refugees can be sent somewhere else (SK, US, other country) instead of either being repatriated to NK or being forced into servitude (or worse) while hiding out from the police in China. This would work in tandem with the massive balloon release, since those fleeing might actually have somewhere to go instead of straight into Chinese police custody. Of course I know China will never go for this since NK's best buddy already forcibly sends most NK citizens back, lading them straight to the gulag. But – it would be nice for the SK gov't to reverse the travesty of inaction that the last regime(s) inflicted on those trying to flee tyranny in NK.
2) Since it has been basically proven that this was a result of a NK submarine attack, send a cruise missile or two at the base just north of the NLL where the attack had to be launched from. In reading some other posts on the original 'what should happen?' thread, and one writer asked something along the lines of when is there enough provocation to warrant a response. Between the whole plastic submarine incident back in the 90s and a few more skirmishes in the same western sea area, just to name a couple of things, I think there should at least be a discussion about something like this. At some point along the way, the SK defense minister 'did not rule out' military action, but I imagine that was just for posturing, and nothing else. Still – I don't see how SK isn't justified to do something along those lines.
SK enforcing the PSI should have some teeth to it – but I wonder if China will step in and help their 'dear friends' out if they are cut-off from outside shipments…
9:56 pm on May 18th, 2010 6
Talking about building consensus of nations… you guys should know about that than anybody..
You guys used it to attack anybody who's an easy target for your own benefits. 
10:29 pm on May 18th, 2010 7
Sorry-just trying to figure out why my gravatar doesn't work…
11:20 pm on May 18th, 2010 8
Obviously we will engage in full war against NT just to satisfy some K-blogers.
This is the tipical case where whatever Korea does these genious of international policy and strategy will bash Korea for free.
11:32 pm on May 18th, 2010 9
Do unto others as they do unto you. Sorry DR.YU, but some people only understand violence. Words mean nothing. Unless the ROK intends to always depend on the USA.
If that is the case, then do nothing.
12:21 am on May 19th, 2010 10
RGI,
Thanks for your comprehension. Yes we will do nothing because we depend on the USA. It’s good and profitable.
BTW please send more GI to fight for Korea because a war seems to be looming in the horizon.
Now tell me something, imagine that Canada turned into a Stalinist country with nukes and has thousands of artillery capable of hitting Washington DC and most American metropolis, killing thousand of American people, destroying your infra-structure and dooming your economy, and imagine that Canada sank an American ship for free and they have been repeatedly given proof of their belligerent capacity blowing some nukes and moving their one million soldiers army along the USA border.
Now imagine also that there are some Korean nuts in the internet bashing the USA and calling the USA army incompetent.
What would you do?
12:40 am on May 19th, 2010 11
Send in special ops teams to all the known nuclear sites, Kim Jong Il's private and public residences, the loyalists, the people holding the power, and blitzkrieg the country into submission. Edit – the people holding the country in communism. Give the North Koreans a chance to make up their minds – do they want to fight for their captured leader and be killed or begin the march to a capitalist future?
12:56 am on May 19th, 2010 12
Dr. Yu,
"What would you do?"
Don't be silly.
There would be Shock and Awe followed by an occupation where Canadian wedding parties would be bombed back to the stone age and the timber and mineral resources would be extracted in a no-bid contract with Haliburton.
Come to think of it, that's a fine idea even if they aren't a threatening Stalinist dictatorship.
12:59 am on May 19th, 2010 13
Make sure we get unfettered access to the Moosehead brewery in that deal too
1:26 am on May 19th, 2010 14
That's what the North seems to bank on. Because of the obvious disparities between the two countries, the South will always have more to lose in a military conflict with the North. So the North believes they can literally get away with murder.
I believe the North's hold on power is much more unstable than they let on, and leaders in the South know that. The South has probably had it within its means to instigate the North's collapse from within for some time now. They choose not to do it because it will also bring econmic catastrphy to the South.
1:27 am on May 19th, 2010 15
I would move "DC" to pusan. But I would have been smart enough to do it years ago. It still should be done.
I would listen to those "nuts" as many of them understand the situation. Then I would send my Military to Iraq and Afghanistan to fight with my protectors and gain combat experience. Which would cause those that lable my army incompetent to shut up. ROK Army was VERY competent in Vietnam! What happened?
That is called being "proactive". Or Just sit and bitch about those people that understand the situation and how they have no respect for the korean situation.
Nothing is free. Earn it or lose it. Or do as Korea does and blame everybody else, while playing the "victim" and demanding "respect" at the same time.
Why don't you just become the 51st state in America? Pay USA tax. Vote for the president and chit. Be good little Democrats.
2:42 am on May 19th, 2010 16
In that case maybe Korea could join USA forces when invading Canada. Who knows, maybe we get the British Columbia as compensation for our solidarity and eternal friendship with the USA.
3:12 am on May 19th, 2010 17
RGI,
The difference between the internet geniuses and the Korean “incompetent” government is that the second have family members and friends living in Korea.
Now regarding Korea becoming a new state member of the USA, I confess you that I have already considered that possibility, but if you see the big picture you will notice that the USA already has intervention power over Korea (politically and economically) and we already contribute with the USA treasury by buying American bonds to finance your increasing and irresponsible debt. So do we really need to make official the Korean dependency on USA, if this will just be a mere formality?
Leave it the way it is as it keeps the impression that the USA is still the champion of the free world and Koreans are owner of their own business.
3:34 am on May 19th, 2010 18
I love all these arm chair military experts. But we all know when the red flag goes up, the expats are the first ones to head for the exit.
4:46 am on May 19th, 2010 19
Your comparison is so completely wrong it is astounding. The NYPD could handle Somali pirates. North Korea has a VAST array of weapons and fairly powerful armed forces. What can Somali pirates do if you attack them? They can run or they can die. North Korea on the other hand can inflict massive amounts of damage.
6:28 am on May 19th, 2010 20
Retired G.I.
You are one of many reasons why G.I.s are considered dumb and uneducated. You probably joined Army because you are from Kansas or something.
8:42 am on May 19th, 2010 21
What do you have against Kansas? I joined during "peace time" and draw downs.
Enough said.
P.S. I have a beautiful voice!
8:44 am on May 19th, 2010 22
So in other words, you indeed are from Kansas.
8:55 am on May 19th, 2010 23
I have friends in Korea.
But I agree with you about the irresponsible debt. Quite irresponsible. And still paying to bail out europe! If the POTUS has his way, there might not be an America by the time your state hood is processed. But like Mexico, Korea will be circling the drain by that time as well. So I agree again with you. Leave it as it is.
9:01 am on May 19th, 2010 24
And everyone elses' benefit- especially those without the moral fortitude to make a hard decision.
We're not looking for your approval, because you don't matter.
9:05 am on May 19th, 2010 25
By whom? By twots who haven't done anything other than live off the efforts of better men than themselves?
Go away, junior. Adults are talking here…
9:05 am on May 19th, 2010 26
If it makes you happy TOM. What do you know of Kansas? I'll confess that I know little of Kansas. That doesn't mean I'm not from Kansas!
I do know that it is better than New york or Cali. Better than Mexico and Korea. Much better than China.
I'll confess again, I don't know much about Kansas. But I know it isn't bad.
9:25 am on May 19th, 2010 27
Not sure if you're agreeing with me or disagreeing with me here…
10:13 am on May 19th, 2010 28
How's the retirement in Kansas going?
Have you checked your 401K lately? I guess it's a bit down these days.
I hope you don't starve once Uncle Sam cuts social security and your paper currency is worthless. 
10:34 am on May 19th, 2010 29
Britain only finished paying off their WWII debt in 2006… Not picking on the Brits but just saying… Consider what debt is and what it does. I guarantee you debt does not prevent the US from militarily kicking the shit out of any country on earth. If there is a need or desire.
10:42 am on May 19th, 2010 30
We actually seized Canada back in the early eighties but they didn't notice. It was kind of awkward.
10:42 am on May 19th, 2010 31
I'm emergency essential, and in for whatever happens. But I suppose you might be sitting next to my wife on an evac flight. I doubt you have the stomach to fight for the country you profess to love so much. You are a HATEFUL COWARD. but NEVER FEAR. THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE, NOT OF KOREAN ORIGIN, WHO WILL STAND BY AND SUPPORT YOUR "BROTHERS" IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE FREEDOMS YOU SO ENJOY AND USE TO YOUR THOUGHTLESS ADVANTAGE.
/hit the caps lock by accident.
//long live the Republic of Korea and her people – and their freedom
10:44 am on May 19th, 2010 32
Koreans are notorious line jumpers, I'm sure Tom will find a way onto the first boat out. He bailed on his country before. Once a rat, always a rat.
11:29 am on May 19th, 2010 33
Sure, I'll be sitting right beside your wife. I like having sex with war widows.
11:30 am on May 19th, 2010 34
Talking about bailing out. Who's going to bail you guys out when you guys go bankrupt?
11:34 am on May 19th, 2010 35
Good luck with that. She's more likely to devein you, the hard way, shrimp boy.
Anyhoo, My white Anglo-Saxon family has a long tradition of serving in and defending your country.
Luckily most Koreans seem to be good people and built on what they were given, in other words – worth the sacrifice, unlike you Tommy-boy.
Learn a scoshee humility and you might even get a bit of respect.
11:50 am on May 19th, 2010 36
I don't know, but it will make your second American adventure a bigger disaster than your first. You failed in the US in a booming economy! LOL
People wash up on the shore without a lick of English and do better than you did..bwahahahahaha 
12:37 pm on May 19th, 2010 37
"We actually seized Canada back in the early eighties but they didn’t notice. It was kind of awkward."
Oh, yeah. I forgot about that…
…kinda like how I forgot the time Mexico invaded us and we welcomed our liberators with open arms.
Because of the occupying force, we got more schools and hospitals, an expansion of governments entitlements, cheaper landscaping and a new national language to add to our rich multicultural heritage.
We only hate them because of their freedoms.
Oh… and racism. We hate them because of racism, too.
12:46 pm on May 19th, 2010 38
Nice of you to care tom, but don't worry. The garden is doing well. I have plenty of ammo for deer hunting also. House is paid off as well as the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Three months ago I paid cash for an old Chevy 4×4, to bring the deer back.
Four thousand rounds of ammo for three rifles, might not be enough. Have to pick up some more I think. Got a lake nearby so the water is covered. 
Need to get some more medical supplies. I have enough for now. I have a three month supply of MREs in case the deer are thined out.
One question. What's a 401K? Just kidding! My stocks are doing well. If cap and trade is passed I'll get some GE. But not yet.
Good luck to you tom in the coming Apocalypse.
12:55 pm on May 19th, 2010 39
Damn! I forgot the Whiskey!
I have to stock up on Jim Beam! TOMORROW!! What's a good Apocalypse without a drink to sip on while I watch the city in the distance burn. Like Greece. Like thailand.
1:19 pm on May 19th, 2010 40
The stupid South Koreans should have assasinated Kim Jong-il while he was in China. They missed a golden opportunity in Dalian when Dear Leader and his Cabinet were at the Furama Hotel. There were at least 2 other occasions during Kim's China pilgrimage when they could have killed North Korea's Commander-in-Chief with little or no risk to Chinese bystanders. (Dandong and Tianjin)
2:15 pm on May 19th, 2010 41
I remember the Mexican invasion, the streets ran red with salsa and churro toppings.
8:20 pm on May 19th, 2010 42
This says it all…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSXNJMP8ir4
8:34 pm on May 19th, 2010 43
Tom, your likely ignorant of the events of 27 June 1950 so here is the statement from the President of the United States of America Harry S. Truman of that date.
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/study_co…
You're not very smart are you Tom?
8:50 pm on May 19th, 2010 44
Hans Brixxx!
9:42 pm on May 19th, 2010 45
You guys are such big talkers.
But look how your own government is waffling.
http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/05/1…
Bottom line: most Americans could care less about Korea, despite all the bit talk here. Korea has to think of its own interests, and the consequences of its decisions (whatever that would be). Because all these arm chair specialists won't be around as they will puff! disappear, if something happens.
10:02 pm on May 19th, 2010 46
Would the Won go up or down against the dollar, or let me put it a better way since I get paid in Korean WON. Would I get more or less U.S. dollars while exchanging for Korean Won? I'm thinking that the Won would go up, a perfect time to exchange. A simple rumor of an abrupt North/South integration could cause the Won to rise/get stronger = more U.S. dollars. The Chaebol don't want a North/South integration, so Korea INC. won't let it happen.
This just in…Russia allows for satire of Russian politicians/politics while S. Korea goes backwards!!!
6:17 pm on May 20th, 2010 47
Dynamic solution: Step one: Widen Han River. Step two: cut neighborhoods out of Seoul, float them down river, sail them south, rebuild city as an island between Busan and Jeju. Step three: profit. (just kidding, step three: send sappers to hamper NORK missile development facilities)
6:54 pm on May 20th, 2010 48
Actually the exact opposite would happen. Rumor's of economic disruption cause a currency's value to go down, or rather the demand for that currency to go down. The won/dollar exchange would favor the dollar more.
3:21 pm on May 23rd, 2010 49
HERE is what's next.
8:44 pm on May 23rd, 2010 50
US backs South Korea in cutting trade with the North.
By Choe Sang-Hun and Mark Landler in the NY Times
Hillary Clinton says, "The Republic of Korea can count on the full support of the United States. … Our support for South Korea's defense is unequivocal."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/world/asia/25ko…