Hey! Over Here!

I suspect South Korea will be in political paralysis and disarray for at least several days with respect to the future of the Sunshine Policy. Clearly, it’s much harder to justify changing North Korea though unconditional aid than it was last week. Whether Roh still clings to his demand to keep Kaesong in the FTA will be a crucial test. After billions in aid, South Korea still lacked the influence to get back its kidnapped citizens, reduce tensions along the DMZ, secure any significant reforms, or stop these tests. They have much to answer for.

But when all else fails the most cynical of politicians, there is still distraction:

In the midst of all this, the South Korean research vessel Haeyang 2000 pushed on into waters surrounding Dokdo, where it was met by a warning radio call from a Japanese patrol boat to stop. The Haeyang responded it was conducting an oceanic survey of Korean territorial waters and warned the Japanese boat not to interfere. The Japanese did not attempt to seize the vessel as it was escorted by a Korean Coast Guard ship.

Does it get more blatant? Yet the Chosun Ilbo is happy to oblige, without questioning the curious timing.