October Surprise in North Korea?

“북미정상회담 성사되려면 이번엔 트럼프가 평양으로 가야…김정은 체면 세워줄 필요” - 정세현,*
* “For the North Korea-U.S. summit to happen, Trump must go to Pyongyang this time… Need to save face for Kim Jong-un” - Jeong Se-hyeon

Jeong Se-hyun is a former Unification Minister of South Korea under two presidents from 2002-2004, Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. He is a remarkable person and brilliant political observer. He served as an adviser to the Moon Jae-in administration. President Moon of course was the "pacemaker" opening doors in Pyongyang enabling Trump 1's abortive but attention getting overtures to Kim Jong-un in Singapore, Hanoi and the later meaningless sequel at Panmunjom.

The US president is in deep political trouble recently and the US has lost more international stature under his "leadership," so he's looking for some world attention getting spectacular to compensate all the ill fortune he's invited in an electoral sense in face of the upcoming election. Jeong is of the opinion that it's entirely possible that Trump may go to Pyongyang during the middle ten day period in October. I emphasize that all this is speculation. Jeong's reading the tea leaves. Jeong in a South Korean MBC Radio current events interview (video on youtube) outlines a step by step procedure for normalizing relations with North Korea which is quite elaborate, requires professional diplomats (something Trump doesn't have) and a lot of planning and attention. Nevertheless he analyzes nuances in Trump's public statements, and those of Kim Yeo-jong, Kim's sister, the NK missile launches, etc., and in spite of the apparent rejection that appears on the face of things, how the doorway is still open, in his estimation.

I'm putting the Jeong's first interview video here. I want everyone to see Jeong because he is a historic figure in his own right, playing a role opening the door as it was to North Korea with 3 former South Korean presidents. I'm posting it for those who monitor such things. The youtube English translation was poor, it took me about an hour to make sure I understood it. I kept switching the subtitles back and forth, and checking the dictionary. Those who are interested can see I'm not making this up.



Jeong believes that Trump will go to Pyongyang and then to the Kalma peninsula in Wonsan on the East Sea. Kim will not go to Donald, Donald will go to Kim. Jeong believes in order to avoid the anti Trump, anti Kim, political headwinds, the arrangements could be made behind the scenes through a third party country intermediary, like Sweden or other amenable trustworthy player. There's likely not enough time to set up the institutional structures necessary for actually accomplishing the steps to reduce military tensions, set up contact missions in the respective countries, with a view towards normalizing relations and seeking a "peace regime" on the peninsula. For a first step, Trump could disclose some of these measures at the meeting in October, which would have to include some relaxation of the sanctions regime, which has lost it's impact anyway because of Russian and Chinese relations with North Korea.

I knew something was up Aug 12. If they need any help they should call Jeong.


*Kim was humiliated publicly in front of the entire world by Trump at Hanoi, in Feb 2019, so he's not going anywhere to meet President Trump. Trump has to come to him. Western observer's usually say critically, Trump is increasing Kim's prestige. Jeong suggests Kim's travel arrangements to meet Trump in Singapore and later in Hanoi were themselves humiliating or at least suggested he was the supplicant.


Update, I wrote the commentary above on 8.21 EST. This morning I saw this shorter JTBC youtube video interview of Jeong below on the same subject 8.22.

The JTBC video is better for foreign audiences, more to the point on the possible October surprise, in their interview with Jeong. The google English translation quality is better up to the 7:20 mark when it says erroneously Japanese Korean agreement on July 27, 1953, instead of Armistice which was the correct translation. Jeong notes some South Korean general didn't show at the armistice site to sign the Armistice on behalf of South Korea, which the North Koreans have argued deprives them of standing. There is some confusion with pronouns after that as well because AI doesn't do context. Usually, gender and number of pronouns is understood rather than expressed in a Korean conversation. AI consistently fails at this.

Jeong describes the preliminary basic steps to getting a summit with North Korea rather than the mechanism for accomplishing the objectives of negotiations. This interview leaves aside the necessary administrative steps and ground work. This is something we know the US is reluctant to undertake historically.

Is Spring really coming this time?

Recommend this post below by Simone Chun:

분단된 한반도의 양심의 목소리: 대한민국 통일부 장관 정동영. 북미정상회담 실현위해한미연합훈련 전면 조정. 개성공단 조속히 재개, 남북한 민간 교류 전면 재개. https://t.co/VrPySGu9mu

— KoreaUpdate (@SimoneChun) February 14, 2026

I didn't know the drone incursions in the lead up to the December 3, coup attempt by Yoon, had been so extensive. I believe the Moon administration's "reluctance" to reopen Kaseong was based on US State Department resistance. The US objected to Moon's overtures to North Korea regarding Kaesong, Geumgangsan, and the East and West rail links with North Korea. This opposition was publicly visible from 2018 through the debacle at Hanoi in February 2019. Followed these developments in South Korean media quite closely at the time. The expressions "don't get too far ahead," "no daylight," and "lock step," come to mind.

President Trump seems so inclined again:

Trump administration approves humanitarian aid for North Korea https://t.co/xRtgTQSZYL

— KoreaUpdate (@SimoneChun) February 7, 2026

Lee Surprises Again

<이 한반도에도 언젠가는 혼란과 적대의 비정상이 극복되고, 서로 존중하며 공존공영하는 날이 오겠지요. 북측에도 새해 복 많이 내리기를..>

만나라, 뽀재명과 뽀정은

https://t.co/UJBYAYx2vh

— 이재명 (@Jaemyung_Lee) January 7, 2026

The post is in Korean but the translate button worked...

One day, the abnormality of chaos and hostility will be overcome on this Korean Peninsula as well, and a day will come when we respect each other and coexist and co-prosper. I hope the northern side also receives much New Year's fortune...

Man-nara, Ppo Jae-myung and Ppo Jeong

Penguin Lee and Penguin Kim, Meet!

Simon Chun picked up on this twitter post by President Lee Jae-myung. Lee is referring to a an article dated January 7, on Daum.net, discussing the cultural and potential political significance of a jointly produced animated film that circulated worldwide.

"Pororo the Little Penguin" is an animated film created in 2003 by the combined wisdom and technology of North and South Korea. It tells the story of Pororo the penguin overcoming obstacles and forming friendships with his friends. Immediately after its release, Pororo became a beloved friend to children, ascending to the adorable throne of "President Pororo."

The article notes the significant restraint exercised by Kim Jong-un during provocative actions by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. The impeached former president of South Korea tried to set the stage for martial law by provoking the North Korea with drone violations of North Korean territory among other things.

The browser translate function readily produced a good English translation. I would have posted more but there was a stern copyright warning.

Meet, Pojaemyeong and Pojeong

Byeokrando Spirit

Korean old style diplomacy: Will it work?

Japan's PM Takaichi (right) watches with discomfort South Korea's President Lee and his "splendid parade" of commercial representatives who accompany his diplomatic mission to China. The leaders of the industrial chaebol Samsung, Hyundai, SK, LG, etc., included in his delegation spur her sense of isolation. The latter a self imposed disadvantage due to her innate contempt for China, and ahistorical extremist nationalism (make Japan great again).

Graphic of "old Korea" ostensibly the Goryeo Dynasty-Song Dynasty trade routes. Korea was threatened by the "barbarian" Khitan Empire in the north (a tribal nomadic dominion in present day Manchuria, part of North Korea, and northern China) while the prosperous classical Chinese Song Dynasty existed to the southeast. Solution? Pay tribute to the Khitan to satisfy security needs and at the same trade with the Song Dynasty from the Byeokrando trading port on the Yellow Sea north of Gangwha island and east of Kaesong (in present day North Korea). The Byeokrando principle being that national security interests (placating the Khitan) need not and should not preclude the profitable trade with the Song, an advanced civilization.

Graphics source- 이재명 '벽란도'에 중국은 환호하고 일본은 통곡하고 있다ㄷㄷ B급정치 1.05.2026 youtube

December 22 in South Korea: Weird Historical Coincidence?

Who is Yi Jae-myung?


Lee Wan-yong was a former prime minister of Korea who is infamous for being the leading "traitor of Eulsa" who signed the so called Treaty of Eulsa, delivering the "Korean Empire" over to Japanese control as a protectorate in 1905.

Lee Won Yong (left) and Ito Hirobumi. prime minister and Japanese resident general of the Korean protectorate respectively, circa 1907. Ito was assassinated in Harbin in 1909, by a Korean independence fighter, Ahn Jung-geun, a national hero to this day. Lee was the victim of an attempted assassination by stabbing months later on December 22, 1909 in Seoul by Lee Jae-myung. Lee Wan Yong was known at the traitor of Eulsa.


This is a picture below of the freedom fighter Lee Jae-myung or Yi Jae Myung, the namesake of the current President of South Korea. The current president's birth date was registered by his father as December 22, 1964.

1909년 12월 22일, 종현 천주교당(現 명동성당) 앞에서 군밤장수로 변장한 이재명 의사는 이완용을 습격해 중상을 입히고 당당히 만세를 외쳤습니다.

오늘 12월 22일은 이재명 의사 의거 116주년입니다.
의사의 확고한 신념과 독립의지를 깊이 기억하겠습니다.

자세히보기 https://t.co/NMRUmXjH0e pic.twitter.com/zoPhl9JFVe

— 국가보훈부 (@hun2day) December 22, 2025

The first Lee Jae-myung, the Korean independence movement doctor/attempted assassin of Lee Wan Yong, attacked with a knife.

In 1909, he was seriously injured in an assassination attempt by the "Five Eulsa Traitors Assassination Group". The incident happened on 22 December 1909, when he and other targeted officials were attending a memorial service in Jong-hyeon Catholic Church (present-day Myeongdong Cathedral) for the recently deceased King Leopold II of Belgium. The assassin, Lee Jae-myeong (이재명; 李在明, 1887–1910) caught wind and disguised himself as a chestnut vendor outside the church. At around 11:30 a.m., Yi Wanyong appeared and was heading towards his rickshaw when Lee Jae-myeong sprung into action, stabbing him three times with a knife while shouting 'Long Live the Independence of Korea'. The assassin was quickly subdued by Japanese police and was arrested with serious injuries; he would be sentenced to death.[6]

In a twisted turn of fate, an attempted assassination by stabbing was made on then opposition democratic party leader Lee Jae-myung in January 2024, by a Mr. Kim, believed to be a Sincheonji (New Heaven and Earth) cult follower.

On 2 January 2024, Lee was stabbed in the left side of his neck while holding a question and answer session with reporters after touring the construction site of a planned new airport located on Gadeokdo in Busan.[49][50][51] Though Lee remained conscious, he continued bleeding and was transferred to a hospital approximately 20 minutes later.[49] The assailant, who was wearing a "I'm Lee Jae Myung" paper crown,[52][51] lunged at Lee after asking for his autograph.[53][49][51] The assailant was arrested at the scene.[49][51] The assailant was identified as a man named Kim Jin-sung and was reported to have been born in 1957.[54][49]

Though the neck wound was not considered to be life-threatening, Lee's surgery took longer than expected, with damage being inflicted on his jugular vein that led to additional bleeding.[54][53] The laceration in his neck which resulted from the knife wound was determined to be approximately 1 centimetre.[54] While in custody, the assailant confessed to Busan Metropolitan Police that he carried out the attack with the intention of killing Lee.[54]

So Doctor Lee Jae-myung the independence hero who attempted the assassination of the most famous "traitor of Eulsa" is commemorated on the same day as President Lee Jae-myung's birthday.

Night Garden

밤의 정원



보컬 Lucia(심규선) 작곡 Lucia(심규선) 작사 Lucia(심규선)

Credit to https://music.bugs.co.kr/track/6132661?wl_ref=list_tr_08_chart for the lyrics.


한밤중에 악몽의 틈에서 그대를 데려와서
In the middle of the night, I will bring you from the edge of nightmares
고요하고 너르른 풀밭에 눕히고 재우리라
and lay you down in the wide, quiet grass field, and let you sleep.
풀벌레 소리 시냇물이 흐르는 곳에
Where the crickets sound and the stream flows,
내일은 아직 오지 못하리 그대가 잠들기 전엔
Make tomorrow not yet come, before you fall asleep
연거푸 짚고 일어서려는 손
Your hands keep grasping in an effort to rise
긁히며 달려 멍들고 지친 발
Running feet, scratched, bruised, and exhausted
여기 넘어진 채로 우리 함께 엉겨 쉬면 어떠리
Here where we fell, why don't we lay and rest entangled together
깊은 밤 깊은 잠 깊은 밤
Deep night, deep sleep, deep night
젖은 이끼에 벌거벗은 등을 뉘여 보면 어떠리
If I lay my naked back on the wet moss, how will it be?
숨 쉰다 마신다 뱉는다
Breathing, drinking, gasping
부드러운 파도를 그대의 턱 끝까지 덮어주고
Soft waves cover you to the chin
창밖에는 눈꽃과 안개가 밤새 춤추게 하리라
Outside the window, snowflakes and fog seem to dance all night
어린 날의 결핍 무엇으로 채우리야
What will fill the want of childhood days?
어제는 다신 오지 못하리 그대 이제 안심하오
Yesterday will never come again. Now you can rest assured.
연거푸 흘러내리는 붉은 땀
Repeatedly flowing down, red beads of sweat
흉진 곳에서 새 잎이 돋는다
New leaves sprout in the scarred places
여기 넘어진 채로 우리 함께 엉겨 쉬면 어떠리
Here where we fell, why don't we lay and rest entangled together
깊은 밤 깊은 잠 깊은 밤
Deep night, deep sleep, deep night
그래 언제고 일어서서 다시 가야 할 때 오겠지
Yes, at some time we must rise and go again
하지만 지금은 아닐 뿐
Only now the moment has not come
나를 잠들게 해줘
Make it so I can sleep
눈꺼풀 위로 깊은 잠이 마치 범람하듯 넘친다
Deep sleep washing over my eyes
잊는다 잊힌다 잊는다
Forget, make me forget, forget
잠든다 꿈조차 없는- 잠-
Sleep, without even a dream...sleep

Bugs 님이 등록해 주신 가사입니다.

https://music.bugs.co.kr/track/6132661?wl_ref=list_tr_08_chart


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDPsTaqH3PM&list=RDFDPsTaqH3PM&start_radio=1

Farewell Song 赠别、渭城曲、阳关三叠

陽關三疊 - 郭淑珍 Guo Shuzhen - Yang Guan Triassic From the notes of the youtube post above:

Yang Guan Triassic is one of China's most famous Guqin (string instrument) songs. The song's origins go back to 1491. It is based on a 4 line seven character quatrain "Send Yuan Er Shi Anxi."送元二使安西 (Seeing Yuaner off on a Mission to Anxi) written by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei王維(701-761) Wang Wei, from Taiyuan in Shanxi, was a well-known poet, painter, and musician of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). He wrote over 400 poems. The poems of the frontier fortress and the seclusion poems of the mountains are very popular with people all over the world.

Also an English translation of the original Wang Wei poem, credited to John Thompson at http://www.silkqin.com/ and to Jin Qiuyu 金秋雨 :

The morning rain at Weicheng dampens the light dust,
At the inn, the willows look lush and green once again.
I urge you, dear sir, to finish one more cup of wine, for
Going west through Yangguan there will be no old friends.

Recommend reading the entire notes at the youtube post.

The video itself presents calligraphy of the original poem, artwork portraying scenes from the poem and more contemporary song derived from it. (Also the Mandarin lyrics of the song are in the notes). Likeness of Wang Wei are presented as well. Beautifully and thoughtfully put together.

Weicheng was near Xi'an, the capital of the Tang Empire. Anxi was deep inside Xinjiang, a Tang Dynasty post there at the time. Probably a long hard trip in the 8th Century. I read one explanation that said back then, one wouldn't expect to see a friend again, who leaves on this trip.

Below is a link to another blog which put together a translation or the original Wang Wei poem to English with pinyin which is quite helpful:

王維 送元二使安西 translation: Seeing Off Yuan Er on His Mission to Anxi, by Wang Wei

Wikipedia has an interesting entry on Wang Wei:

Wang Wei

There are a number of Stephen Owen translations of other Wang Wei poems in the Wikipedia article that are wonderful.

It's not suprising that Wang Wei was a Chan Buddhist.

Binary

즈마 아키(東亜樹) -비나리(ビナリ)｜한일톱텐쇼 27회


orig singer Sim Su-bong

큐피트 화살이 가슴을 뚫고 사랑이 시작된 날
Cupid's arrow pierced my heart, the day love began

또 다시 운명의 페이지는 넘어가네
the page of fate turning again

나 당신 사랑해도 될까요
Will it be okay if I love you?

말도 못하고 한없이 애타는 나의 눈짓들
Unable to speak, interminable anxious glances

세상이 온통 그대 하나로 변해 버렸어
The world has turned into just you

우리 사랑 연습도 없이 벌써 무대로 올려졌네
Our love without preparation climbed upon the stage

생각하면 덧없는 꿈일지도 몰라 꿈일지도 몰라
When I think about it, could it be a fleeting dream, a dream, I don't know

하늘이여 저 사랑 언제 또 갈라 놓을꺼요
Oh heaven, perhaps that love could be lost sometime?

하늘이여 간절한 이 소망 또 외면할꺼요
Oh, heaven, you couldn't turn away from my sincere wish?

예기치 못했던 운명에 그 시간 당신을 만나던 날
That time of unexpected fate, the day I met you

드러난 내 상처 어느새 싸매졌네
My open wounds suddenly, already bound

나만을 사랑하면 안될까요 마음만 닳아올라
Can you love only me? My heart is heating up,

오늘도 애타는 나의 몸짓들
Today yet, my longing gestures,

따사로운 그대 눈빛 따라도는 해바라기 처럼
like sunflowers follow your warm gaze,

사랑이란 작은 배 하나 이미 바다로 띄워졌네
A small boat called love yet set sail upon the sea

생각하면 허무한 꿈일지도 몰라 꿈일지도 몰라
When I think about it, could it be a fleeting dream, a dream, I don't know

하늘이여 이 사람 다시 또 눈물이면 안 돼요
Oh, heaven, this person can't ever cry again.

하늘이여 저 사람 영원히 사랑하게 해줘요
Oh, heaven, let me love that person forever

아~ 사랑하게 해줘요
Ah~ let me love you

Korean lyrics: Bugs
https://music.bugs.co.kr/track/492504

荷塘月色 Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond

Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond (荷塘月色)
Song by Phoenix Legend 鳳凰傳奇
Lyrics/music Chao Zhang


剪一段時光緩緩流淌
Capture the passing time slowly flowing

流進了月色中微微盪漾
Drifting by among the faint ripples of moonlight

彈一首小荷淡淡的香
Playing a refrain of faint lotus fragrance

美麗的琴音就落在我身旁
A xither's spendlid sounds surround me.

螢火蟲點亮夜的星光
Fireflies, flash brightly among shining stars

誰爲我添一件夢的衣裳?
Can anyone further embellish my dream?

推開那扇心窗遠遠地望
Open wide the window stirring the heart to gaze further.

誰採下那一朵昨日的憂傷?
Will someone pluck the flower of past longing?

我像只魚兒在你的荷塘
I'm like a little fish in your lotus pond

只爲和你守候那皎白月光
Just watching for you in the bright moonlight

遊過了四季 荷花依然香
After four seasons passage, the lotus flowers yet fragrant

等你宛在水中央
As if waiting for you amid the waters

repeat



那時年輕的你 和你水中的模樣
Then you were young; your likeness appeared amidst the waters.

依然不變的仰望滿天迷人的星光
As before, gazing in awe, at heaven, filled with brilliant stars.

誰能走進你的心房採下一朵蓮?
Who can walk into your heart and pluck a lotus?

是那夜的芬芳 還是你的髮香?
Is it the fragrance of that night or the scent of your hair?

荷塘呀荷塘 你慢慢慢慢唱喲
Lotus pond, ah lotus pond, you slowly, slowly, slowly sing oh...

月光呀月光 你慢慢慢慢聽喲
Moonlight ah, moonlight, you slowly, slowly, slowly, hear oh...

魚兒呀魚兒 你慢慢慢慢遊喲
Fish ah, fish, you slowly, slowly swim, oh

淡淡的淡淡的 淡淡的月光
pale, pale, pale, light of the moon

repeat chorus

end

As if waiting for you amid the waters
等你宛在水中央

As if waiting for you amid the waters
等你宛在水中央

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Chao Zhang
Arrangement: Niu Tianpo 荷塘月色-歌詞-鳳凰傳奇

KKBOX
https://www.kkbox.com › song https://www.kkbox.com/tw/tc/song/8qTbNYa8YrrZPXN45A

·
From Baidu's Phoenix Legend entry:

Yang Wei Linghua's high-pitched and resonant voice is a major feature of Phoenix Legend's songs. She has always been considered the lead singer of the group, while Zeng Yi's deep voice mostly appears in the chorus or rap part, adding charm to the whole song. But in fact, Zeng Yi is also an inseparable lead singer of the group.

锦瑟 Brocade Zither Li Shangyin

Li Shangyin (c. 813–c. 858) Tang Dynasty

锦瑟无端五十弦，一弦一柱思华年。
庄生晓梦迷蝴蝶，望帝春心托杜鹃。
沧海月明珠有泪，蓝田日暖玉生烟。
此情可待成追忆，只是当时已惘然

The brocade zither has fifty strings, no less,
each string and pillar brings youth to mind.

Zhuangzi at dawn dreamt of wandering butterflies.
King Wang committed his passion to the crying cuckoo.

A bright moon shines over the vast sea, weeping pearls,
the sun warms Lantian's jade green haze.

Each emotion can be cherished as a memory,
in just that moment, already gone.

She resembles the flowers/ 长相思 longing

花似伊。

柳似伊。

花柳青春人别离。

低头双泪垂。

长江东。

长江西。

两岸鸳鸯两处飞。

相逢知几时



She's like flowers
- Poetry of Ouyang Xiu (11th Century Song Dynasty)
《长相思》


She's like the flowers

She's like the willows

Flowers, willows, green spring farewell.

Bowing my head, tears stream down.

East of the Yangtze.

West of the Yangtze.

A pair of Mandarin ducks fly from the river's banks, away from each other.

Who knows when they will meet again?

바람의 노래 Song of the Wind

살면서 듣게 될까 언젠가는 바람의 노래를
During life, sometimes, I hear the song of the wind
세월가면 그때는 알게 될까 꽃이 지는 이유를
As time flies by, will I learn why the flowers fall?

나를 떠난 사람들과 만나게 될 또 다른 사람들
The persons who left me, and even those others yet unmet,
스쳐가는 인연과 그리움은 어느 곳으로 가는가
Missing those fleeting encounters, where do they go?

나의 작은 지혜로는 알 수가 없네
Of little wisdom how I couldn't possibly know
내가 아는 건 살아가는 방법 뿐이야
I only know a way of getting by

보다 많은 실패와 고뇌의 시간이
More times of loss and distress
비켜갈 수 없다는 걸 우린 깨달았네
Time is unavoidable we discovered

이제 그 해답이 사랑이라면
Now, if the answer is love
나는 이세상 모든 것들을 사랑하겠네
I will love all those things of this world



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeCnXUjoTtI

This is an oldie originally sung by Jo Yong Pil. This the best video performance, by Ha Dong-hyun, I think on youtube, although there are several others. Writer Kim Soon-gon; Composition, Kim Jung-wook; Arrangement, Go Tae-yeong. Hangul lyrics from Bugs! (bugsmanager 님이 등록해 주신 가사입니)

The plot to resurrect Yoon like administration; coup d'etat still ongoing

The players:

(Source: 롯본기 김교수 5.9, original photo is Yonhap unknown date)

Looks like the photo took place in the presidential office while Yoon was president.

Kim Jin-pyo: long time presdiential policy advisor to three "liberal" administrations and long time legislator, former recent Speaker of the National Assembly 2022-2024. According to the Wikipedia, "He belongs to the more conservative wing of the liberal Democratic Party." (holding the microphone)

Yoon Seok-yeol, impeached former president who attempted a military coup on Dec. 3, 2024. Now free pending criminal trial for insurrection.

Cho Hee-dae, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who recently attempted through unprecedented hasty moves upon review en banc of Lee Jae-myung's High Court acquittal on appeal, to derail his campaign for the presidential Office. With Cho in office as Chief Justice, it seems unlikely Yoon will ultimately be found guilty, although his guilt for insurrection is as plain as day.

Han Deok-soo, former prime minister in the Yoon administration and former acting president during Yoon's impeachment trial and vacant presidential office. After an unsuccessful attempt to impeach Han for trying to obstruct Yoon's impeachment trial, Han resigned as acting president, to run as unaffiliated independent candidate for president in the June 3 election. Han now seeks to become the "unified candidate" of the People's Power Party without having participated in the party's nomination process, and to displace the party candidate, Kim Man-soo, who won the PPP nomination process.

This group is allegedly attempting to completely circumvent the constitutional government of South Korea, and place Han Deok-soo in office, as the proxy of Kim Jin-pyo and Yoon Seok-yeol.

So the conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional government of South Korea continues on behalf of the so called rotten special interests of the right. we know that Yoon, Han Deok-soo, and Cho Hee-dae are all complicit in the attempt to keep Lee Jae-myun from becoming president of South Korea.

Whether Kim Jin-pyo is complicit is conjecture; Kim Kyo-soo, who published the photo on his youtube channel is a conspiracy theorist, I don't believe that Moon Jae-in is involved, even though he's a very slick operator, like the other three snakes depicted in the photo. Kim Jin-pyo is definitely Moon-faction, in other words watermelon (DINO). If former president Moon is involved, why is he being investigated on dubious corruption charges related to his daughter and former son-in-law by current prosecutors under the caretaker administration? Just to make the democrats look like inveterate crooks after Lee's high court acquittal? The political nature of these prosecutions is well understood now, after the bizarre action taken by Supreme Court Chief Cho, to preclude Lee from becoming president or at a minimum to stigmatize his election chances, and burden his forthcoming administration with constitutional issues. Will a President Lee Jae-myung be immune after June 3? Reportedly current polls show Lee's support up around 5 percent since the Supreme Court's precipitous action, in other words 54 or 55 percent support, double digits more than Han Deok-soo or Kim Man-soo, indicating moderate voters don't like coups or a political judicial system undermining the election process. The plan basically blew up in Cho's face. These three men, Yoon, Han and Cho, aren't that bright but are overly ambitious. At any rate, they are completely insensitive to the political winds. Clearly, former speaker Kim Jin-pyo, was the smartest guy in the room. He's been around a long time.

알리_서약 Ali: The Vow

알리_서약(드라마 황금무지개 OST) 라이브 / LIVE Ali_ The Vow(Korea DRAMA Golden Rainbow Love Theme)

written and composed by Hong Jin-young.


Let there be only one love in my life
Please give me an unwavering heart
Like an eternal flowing river
My last love will be you

Until the day I breathe my last
I intend to die loving only you
Don't let me be afraid, I believe in you
I won't let go of your hand

For the gift of my beloved, I'm thankful
I lay down my all at your feet
My promise, I will love you forever
You are my life

Until the day I breathe my last
I intend to die loving only you
Don't let me be afraid, I trust you
I won't let go your hand

If I'm able to grow old with my beloved
If we can eat together, if I sleep in your embrace
Sharing love, even when it causes pain
I'll love you, love you even if die

As time goes by, when everyone is gone, in my heart
Only my beloved blooms and falls
In time, if I'm born again, I'll meet you
Love you and die again.


The English translation doesn't do this song justice. The lyrics and sound are so beautiful in Korean.

Lonely Voyage 하윤주 고독한 항해

Happened to hear this song Lonely Voyage, performed by Ha Yun-ju, a traditional South Korean guk ak (literally country music) singer, who lends her Han style to a contemporary love lost genre, with striking results. Han is a unique Korean style reflecting deep sorrow, regret, or resentment. The song is several years old from the drama Married World OST. Original artist is Kim Yoon-a. Ha, the singer at the link below, sang this at a competition. Ha's performance is clearly superior to the original.



Lonely Voyage lyrics and melody- Gaemi

The cold wind goes right through me
My broken heart hurts all the more
Now the withered flower petals fall
I've fallen into a bottomless mire
Smothered by total darkness

My tears fall on dead leaves
By any chance will you look back on me?
A vain wish perhaps, the wind grows stronger
I stand alone on a hill where the storm gathers
My heart torn apart, so much so I can't bear it
I'm swallowed up by absolute darkness

Ah, I remain alone on this solitary voyage
Let me go into this complete darkness.

This is my own interpretation of the lyrics. I tried to change the awkward google translation from its verbatim translation to US vernacular. I hope people don't find it depressing, the song and her performance is really a work of art reflecting the Han style. imo

하윤주 가사 고독한 항해

Blinken's Confidence in the "rule of law" in Seoul...

...is based upon what exactly? Blinken evades and equivocates with blather when his support for the dictator wannabe now holed up in his bunker somewhere is questioned. The SK Foreign Minister Cho goes on about "unperceived faults" in South Korea, which he fails to specify, other than referring to a class of intellectuals in SK that need to "wake up" to the hidden threats to democracy heretofore unrecognized. This is far right/new right ideological claptrap. The threat to democracy isn't the cabinet which participated in Yoon's plan to send armed combat troops to shut down the National Assembly and planned an emergency action legislative committee to replace the National Assembly? No, according to the ROK foreign minister, it's naive intellectuals. This is a sub rosa reference to the "state enemies" line the Yoon government has followed all along. The current acting president had received a presidential memo directing him to implement emergency finances to support a new emergency action legislative committee, Yoon and the coup plotters planned to implement. (This evaluation was provided by Yoo Shin-min, in a video analysis of acting president Choi Sang-mok's behavior).

Blinken's meeting with the FM in South Korea:




"바이든 정부, 尹을 잘 몰랐나?" 외신 기자 돌직구 질문에.. (2025.01.06/MBC뉴스) "Biden government didn't understand Yoon well? Foriegn reporter straight to the point question..." Blinken's presentation is of course in English. I think it's important to listen to this dissimulation.

There were a series of other repressive martial law measures, I'm sure the current cabinet members (mostly the same as the Yoon cabinet) knew about, which after the unexpected failure to implement dictatorship, they all denied knowing about. Not likely.

Those who knew include the current acting president- minister of finance, Choi Sang-mok, who on Dec 3 had the note in his pocket from the president or someone on his staff asking the finance ministry to provide emergency funding measures for the new illegal military government/Yoon dictatorship. He denies knowing the content of the note before he delivered it to the Assistant Secretary of Finance for implementation, and denies ever discussing it with it his staff. Yet apparently there was some kind of Finance Ministry staff meeting after delivery of the note. What went on there isn't known at this point. A report I heard said the Deputy Finance Minister "only had a dim memory of the note" and what it pertained to, although he did admit it contained emergency finance measures. The acting president claimed he didn't even read it.

The acting president also failed to act on recent requests up till today from the CIO attempting to implement a plan for a second arrest attempt on Yoon, to order the Presidential Security Staff, and their supporting military troops, to stand down in the early morning hours today. Instead, persos or persons unknown, appear to have leaked that information to the mob of far right lunatics the day before and then ordered the security forces at the presidential residence increased to 500 personnel, additional bus walls, and barbed wire to be installed, in a multi-layered defense of Yoon's official residence. The CIO under the circumstances gave up on the second attempt plan to arrest Yoon before the warrant expired and transferred the responsibility for the next arrest execution attempt to the National Police. The CIO/PPO said they would seek another arrest warrant.

US ambassador meets the South Korean opposition

Video of Lee Jae-myung opposition leader meeting with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg. (2024.09.26 오전) Goldberg and Lee use interpreters so the whole video is understandable in English.

I recall Democratic Party Leader Lee's meeting with the Chinese ambassador some time ago, it seemed so much friendlier. Goldberg looks stiff, forced smiles, folded arms, etc. I'm sure the leader of the Democratic Party, the majority party in the National Assembly, was the last person he wanted to meet, he was probably directed to do it. "Human rights, rule of law, wherever they are under threat." How can Goldberg keep a straight face saying that? The comment at the end by Lee is a dig at the US apparent lack of interest in the extraordinarily tense relations with North Korea. The threat of "accidental" conflict breaking out along the DMZ caused Lee to request "...your deeper interest in these issues." Other than mentioning the potential for nuclear proliferation to South Korea and/or Japan prompted by the North Korean threat, Lee said zero about Japan, China, Taiwan, Indo-Pacific etc. This is by design. I wonder what may have happened during the closed meeting after the short formal public meeting.

“반민주, 반민생, 반평화, 친일 역사 쿠데타 윤석열 정권을 이대로 두고 보고만 있을 수 없다”@newsvop https://t.co/BPjKda8JZH

— 민중의소리 (@newsvop) September 28, 2024

From the large anti-Yoon demonstration in Seoul today. The tweet comment, "Anti-democratic, anti welfare of the people, anti-peace, historic pro-Japan, coup d'etat Yoon government; there is no way to sit and just let this go."


Hanging by a Thread: US-led War Drills in the Korean Peninsula and the Threat of Global Nuclear War

According to Simone Chun's recent essay in Counterpunch, the provocation of North Korea is deliberate, and part of the US anti-China strategy. I listened to some other activist leaders in an OhMyNews talk show who are seeing parallels developing to events during the latter part of the Park administration. They think an editorial take lately in the Chosun Ilbo, reflects increasing conservative frustration with Yoon, who is not a politician by nature, but is solely focused on advancing his personal interests and protecting his wife and her supporters from justice. He has of course, adopted an authoritarian manner of doing things, is uncompromising and neglecting state affairs other than the anti North Korea, US pro Japan, Indo-Pacific outlook directed against China. This was their analysis of Chosun Ilbo's editorial, they didn't give a specific reference that I could look at myself. I have seen at least one recently that suggested Yoon was too detached from public sentiment and would present challenges in future elections for conservatives if he didn't change.

오늘 [윤석열 탄핵] 집회에 참여해 주신
애국시민들께 깊히 감사드리며 응원합니다!
pic.twitter.com/8z3L6Ivy9h

— 쟝고 (@shsh7600) September 28, 2024

Although there were some impeach Yoon placards in this large demonstration, the theme of the organized labor and civic groups was, "Yoon step down!"

Simone collected a few photos over on her twitter thread of the large Yoon resign demo in Seoul today. Candlelight leadership was there, but most of bodies were from organized labor groups and civil society. Demonstrations took place in multiple South Korean cities from what I understand. I saw banners from the progressive party and justice party as well. There was a serial confrontation with police that seemed to me to have been instigated by someone lighting smoke bombs or some kind of flares in the crowd near the end of the demonstration. The senior police officers and parade staff managed the hotheads well and the trouble subsided. I'd like to see the size of this demonstration double. That will signal the end for Yoon and company.


Ambassador Goldberg prior meeting a week earlier with PPP Leader Han Dong-hun. Notice the difference?




Anyone who thinks Han Dong-hun takes constitutional principles or rule of law seriously is suffering from delusions. Notice the difference between this meeting and Goldberg's later meeting with Lee Jae-myung (above), the opposition leader who has been prosecuted repeatedly by Yoon and this man for years. Han and Goldberg "shared many conversations" when Han was minister of justice? Why? Why does that not surprise me? Why did the translator change Han's admission to "well actually we met once before" in English? She didn't translate what he actually said. Assembly Member In Yo-han PPP aka John Linton, the "white" Korean missionary/doctor was Goldberg's physician? In a longer video near the end, Han jokes in English, that "he didn't know" In Yo-han/John Linton could speak English. At the outset, Han also joked about Goldberg being a Red Sox fan, implying that they have a difference of opinion on this. So they are all buddies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1kPJ524L4k (the longer video)

The banner on the wall says "Reduce the differences, widen the opportunities." Surprised they didn't adopt the "lock step, no daylight" slogan. Goldberg emphasizes the long friendship and shared values. Most of the US- South Korea relationship, up to 1987, was basically the US supporting oppressive dictatorships. Yoon's is now up to 24 vetoes* of legislation. Democracy? Rule of law? Justice? LOL.

The Yoon/Han clique of corrupt prosecutors, abusing their powers giving the ROK the name "dictatorship of prosecutors," just requested that Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung receive 4 years in prison on a conviction obtained with fabricated evidence. To counter the appearance of tens of thousands of demonstrators against Yoon, over the weekend, Yoon will bring out 5000 plus troops for the Armed Forces Day parade at the cost of millions of dollars giving his administration the authoritarian aura that suits it so well. Ironically this will occur on the same day as China's National Foundation Day celebration.


Note: after I wrote the first part of this post, I came across this Hankyoreh editorial, cited below, which said in part:

For Korea’s Yoon, October may prove the cruelest month

Civic movements also hint of ominous times for Yoon. National Emergency Council for State Affairs, an organization founded by veteran civic leaders and activists, announced its demands for Yoon’s impeachment or resignation on Sept. 20. A national coalition of civic groups demanding Yoon’s resignation will simultaneously hold rallies in major cities nationwide on Saturday, at 3 pm. Things are reminiscent of the writing on the wall in October 2016.

Let’s wrap this up. Will Yoon survive October, the most politically brutal month he’s ever faced? What does he need to do to survive?

Conservative papers are calling for “acute introspection” (Chosun Ilbo) and “an overhaul in policy and administration” (Joongang Ilbo). Is this possible? It will be difficult. That’s not his style.

As many of his critics in the opposition have pointed out, Yoon is incapable of changing his authoritarian approach.


*Note. October 1 correction of typographical error, it's 24 vetoes for Yoon, not 42 as previously erroneously stated. That number will increase soon enough. Apologies to the one reader who saw this post before I fixed it.

Indo-Pacific

Japanese "defensive" exercises? Or is it to practice interdiction of Chinese lines of communication?

Many member of Japanese Air Force joined the joint exercises in India this time https://t.co/B9yNWaxMGq

— Dr. Satoru Nagao(長尾　賢) (@OfficerNagao) September 20, 2024

Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is leading in support from fellow lawmakers in Japan’s ruling party leadership race, polls showed. https://t.co/1muYcneaMV

— The Japan Times (@japantimes) September 21, 2024

Koizumi, the son of a former premier (sic), is seeking to appeal to a younger generation of voters and refresh the image of the party. He has advocated for deregulation and labor market reform to give big businesses more flexibility in laying off workers — drawing criticism from other candidates.

If Koizumi wins, he may face trouble in keeping order in the LDP, which has established systems for leadership positions being held by its senior members. It has ruled Japan almost without interruption since its founding in the 1950s.

Catapult the propaganda! The admiral's tweet got me behind the Bloomberg paywall to read his neocon views. Tim Shorrock said he likely would have been Kilary's SecDef. Stavridis is probably plugging for it now.

My latest in @Bloomberg @Opinion https://t.co/oUEEYkZ82D

— Admiral James Stavridis, USN, Ret. (@stavridisj) September 20, 2024

Spring in the North 北国之春

邓丽君 《北国之春》 + lyrics Teresa Teng


我衷心的谢谢您
wǒ zhōngxīn de xièxiè nín
My sincere appreciation to you

一番关怀和情意
yī fān guānhuái hé qíng yì
for your care and affection

如果没有你给我爱的滋润
rúguǒ méiyǒu nǐ gěi wǒ ài de zī rùn
If you didn't give me the nourishment of love

我的生命将会失去意义
wǒde shēngmìng jiāng huì shīqù yìyì
My life will lose its meaning

我们在春风里陶醉飘逸
wǒmén zài chūn fēng lǐ táozuì piāo yì
We are intoxicated and carefree in the spring breeze

仲夏夜里绵绵细雨
zhòng xià yèlǐ miánmián xìyǔ
Incessant light rain in the midsummer night

聆听那秋虫它轻轻在
língtīng nà qiū chóng tā qīngqīng zài
Listen to the autumn insects mumuring

呢喃 冰雪它飘满地
nínán bīngxuě tā piāo mǎn dì
Whispering winter snow spreads everywhere

我的平凡岁月里有了一个你
wǒde píngfán suìyuè lǐ yǒu le yīgè nǐ
During my everyday lifetime, I had you*

显得充满活力
xiǎnde chōngmǎn huólì
So vigorous and strong

我衷心的谢谢您
wǒ zhōngxīn de xièxiè nín
My sincere appreciation to you

让我忘却烦恼和忧郁
ràng wǒ wàngquè fánnǎo hé yōuyù
Let me forget my worries and unhappiness

如果没有你给我鼓励和勇气
rúguǒ méiyǒu nǐ gěi wǒ gǔlì hé yǒngqì
If you didn't give me inspiration and courage

我的生命将会失去意义
wǒde shēngmìng jiāng huì shīqù yìyì
My life would lose its meaning


*these interpretations are always subject to change as I discover mistakes or learn more. 9.18.24

Sorrowful Taedong River (1958)

한 많은 대동강




Sorrowful Taedong River, are you well as before?
Moranbong*, Eulmildae,** I miss that scenery.
The way blocked by barbed wire, 'til we meet again,
Is there news? Oh, sorrowful Taedong River

Taedong River, Pubyeokru,* I miss that boat song.
Once more I try to sing the familiar nostaglic tune.
Is there still no way to send a single letter?
Oh, I ask for news, sorrowful Taedong River

One of the songs sung by singer Son In-ho . Lyrics by Han Bok-nam , music by Yain-cho (Kim Bong-cheol). Incidentally, all three are from displaced families. Son In-ho is from Changseong, North Pyongan Province, Han Bok-nam is from Anju, South Pyongan Province, and Yain-cho is from Hwanghae Province.

https://namu.wiki/w/%ED%95%9C%20%EB%A7%8E%EC%9D%80%20%EB%8C%80%EB%8F%99%EA%B0%95

Pubyok Pavilion

*Reference to the pavillion (Pubyeokru) built on Moranbong (Peony hill) on the bank of the Tadeong River in Pyongyang. Regarded as a historical and scenic treasure. This a South Korean source with photos: https://namu.wiki/w/%EC%9D%84%EB%B0%80%EB%8C%80

Eulmildae

**Eulmildae was basically a watchtower topped by a pavilion built for military purposes, in Pyongyang, but as the legend of the fairy Eulmil falling in love with the scenery suggests, it also serves as a pavilion for viewing the beautiful scenery around Eulmildae, especially the Daedong River flowing under Eulmildae and Neungra Island, which is a lower island.

The two historical sites are near the Kim Il-sung stadium and the area in Pyongyang where the dictatorship's monumental style architecture is found.

Pulitzer prize winning photo of Taedong River Bridge-

Flight of Refugees across wrecked bridge in Korea.


.