Obama and South Korean President Lee at G20 Video

South Korean Voters Not in the Mood for War With North Korea

Though 46 South Koreans lost their lives when North Korea torpedoed their ship, South Koreans don't want to get in a war with North Korea, which is some of the best news I've read all month.

But the fervor petered out as quickly as it arose. Voters did not rally round their president in Wednesday's local and regional elections. There was no Korean version of the "9/11 effect" that many had predicted. Instead, Lee's ruling Grand National Party was clobbered, stunned party bosses quit in shame and North Korea pronounced itself pleased.

The election results suggest that many South Koreans, even those who are angry at North Korea for the Cheonan's sinking and the deaths of their countrymen, are more concerned about maintaining peace than with teaching Kim a lesson. This is a really good story to read at WaPo

Reason over might:

"There is no winner if war breaks out, hot or cold," said Lim Seung-youl, 27, a clothing distributor here who voted for the main opposition Democratic Party. "Our nation is richer and smarter than North Korea. We have to use reason over confrontation."

Hillary Speaks on North Korea's Attack on South Korea

North Korea torpedoed South Korea's boat and killed 46 people.

White House Press Briefing May 20

Read the whole transcript here.

North Korea Likely Torpedoed South Korea's Boat Killed 44 Sailors

North Korea's dear leader is apparently in his manic phase.

The President has expressed his deep sympathy to President Lee and the Korean people for the loss of 46 sailors on the Republic of Korea Navy ship Cheonan that was sunk on March 26 by a torpedo. The United States strongly condemns the act of aggression that led to their deaths.

The report issued today by the team of international investigators reflects an objective and scientific review of the evidence. It points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that North Korea was responsible for this attack. This act of aggression is one more instance of North Korea’s unacceptable behavior and defiance of international law. This attack constitutes a challenge to international peace and security and is a violation of the Armistice Agreement.

The President spoke with President Lee on May 17 and made clear that the United States fully supports the Republic of Korea, both in the effort to secure justice for the 46 service members killed in this attack and in its defense against further acts of aggression.

North Korea must understand that belligerence towards its neighbors and defiance of the international community are signs of weakness, not strength. Such unacceptable behavior only deepens North Korea’s isolation. It reinforces the resolve of its neighbors to intensify theircooperation to safeguard peace and stability in the region against all provocations.

Obama's Call With South Korean President Lee

From the White House:

President Obama and South Korean President Lee Myong-bak spoke this evening by telephone as part of their ongoing consultations on the full range of U.S.-ROK alliance issues. President Lee provided an update on the status of the investigation into the sinking of the ROK naval vessel Cheonan in which 46 Korean sailors lost their lives. He expressed appreciation on behalf of the Korean people for U.S. support in the Cheonan rescue and salvage operations, as well as for the participation of U.S. experts in the international inquiry. The two leaders emphasized the importance of obtaining a full accounting of the event and committed to follow the facts of the investigation wherever they lead. They also pledged their utmost efforts to ensure the security of the Republic of Korea, its armed forces, territory and its people. President Obama reaffirmed the strong and unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense and the well-being of its close friend and ally, the Republic of Korea.

President Obama and President Lee reiterated that North Korea must live up to its commitment to eliminate its nuclear-weapons program, comply with its international obligations under relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, and put an end to belligerent behavior towards its neighbors. President Obama confirmed that Secretary Clinton would visit Seoul for consultations next week and that the defense and foreign ministers of the two countries would hold their first-ever “Two plus Two” meeting in July. Presidents Obama and Lee agreed to remain in close touch, and to meet at the time of the G-20 meeting in Canada in June.

Hillary Speaks on North Korea

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Read more at the state department here.
Russia favors strong consequences for North Korea:

Russia has come out in favour of a tough United Nations resolution against North Korea following its recent nuclear and missile tests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the move was not designed to lead to military confrontation and that a diplomatic solution to the problem must be found.

Russia has traditionally joined China in refusing to criticise North Korea but has categorically condemned Pyongyang's latest nuclear test. The UN Security Council is discussing a new resolution on North Korea and the United States is pushing for tough sanctions to be imposed.

North Korea, meanwhile, appears to be ignoring the widespread international criticism and has resumed work at its Yongbyon nuclear plant. The plant can produce plutonium, which can be used to produce nuclear weapons. Radio Netherlands

South Korea is playing down North Korea's threats. Apparently, they're used to it:

South Korea’s president, Lee Myung-bak, lauded his people on Wednesday for their “mature response” to the North’s behavior. He noted that the North’s nuclear test and its six subsequent short-range missile launchings did not affect stock and foreign exchange markets beyond initial jitters.

Seoul, the South Korean capital, with a population of 10.4 million, is just 35 miles from the North Korean border and within the range of North Korean missiles and artillery. But most South Koreans and foreign investors here are accustomed to threats from the North and usually react calmly. NYT

World Outrage at North Korea

Watch more here.
Engage or isolate: