Daniel Sherwood’s Weblog

Associated Press “North Korea blames South Korea for tourist death”

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jzx1X32fwvV9O-pJOGTDPQHiOQSwD91S8SDG0

North and South relations have been greatly effected by the recent shooting that took place on July 11th at the Mount Kumgang resort in N. Korea. The shooting resulted in the death of one S. Korean tourist. The fifty-three year old woman was hiking near the resort when she came too close to a restricted area. N. Korean solders ordered the woman to halt, she apparently ran from the soldiers and they opened fire on her. Her death sparked an immediate response by S. Korea to withdraw all tourists from the resort. S. Korean officials were prevented from conducting an investigation in the area, and were told that an investigation into the matter had already been conducted. N. Korea also banned all S. Korean tourists from visiting the area even after S. Korea withdrew all tourists from the area. N. Korea also made an official statement that it would not lift the tourism ban until S. Korea accepted responsibility for the incident, apologized and took steps to prevent that type of incident from reoccurring. The effects of this incident have already increased tensions between the two countries and have the potential to damage the two countries relations. Considering the weakened state of N. Korea I don’t feel that the issue will be pushed for very long. It seems that the response from both sides has been very political but not a signal for any major conflict. N. Koreas responses have been made to maintain their pride and to prevent any disgrace from befalling the country.