Thoughts on Korea

So I was wondering when this division of Korea along the 38th parallel first occurred and how, and I found something interesting that I didn't know. The division along the 38th parallel goes back to a contest between China and Japan for control of Korea, in the 1880's to 1890's. Not the Korean War, like I had thought. China had regarded Korea as a "protectorate," or a piece if its empire. The idea of protectorates has always bothered me -- its like gangster "protection" on a national level. Anyways, Sub-Prefect (General-bureaucrat) Yuan Shikai, the guy appointed by China to oversee Korea, had troops stationed in (i think) Seoul, but Japan moved in troops also, to protect "trade." The Japanese were the first to create this division at the 38th parallel by setting up a blockade along the 38th, as part of their maneuvering against China. Also/btw, Yuan Shikai went on to become China's last emperor.

Here's some info from Wikipedia -- it's probably more accurate than my recital. Go down to the "Years in Joseon Dynasty Korea" section.

I've been reading a lot recently about Korea and it's national/military maneuverings... that's an understatement: I went to Korea twice basically because I am totally fascinated with the place. In total I have now lived in South Korea for half a year, although I am now back in Texas. In a way, I think this separation between North and South Korea is a good thing. It is forcing Korea, as a whole, to think much more militarily than ever before (my opinion - obvious fallacy, but I don't care). In the past, Korea has usually been too weak, and so depended on China for "protection." In reality, Korea paid China tribute to protect itself from China -- gangsterism. Now, if South Korea prevails over the North, as it appears to be inevitable now, then the new Korea will be strong like it hasn't been for a thousand years; and it may help to be a solid counter to Chinese hegemony. Any counter to China's influence is good, as history clearly shows that when China is unchallenged, neighboring nations suffer. Korea, I'm rooting for you!

Also, I found it amusing how the South Korean Defense Minister suggested a preemptive military strike against North Korea if they continue to pursue the development of nuclear weapons. North Korea responded in kind, saying basically "if you preemptively strike us, its war!" Ha ha, yeah thats kinda the whole point. Here's the article for this one.

Whoa, I just noticed something weird about that last article: look at the picture at the top of the article. See something weird? At least one, possibly two of the men in the photo appear Caucasian. I guess that's not impossible -- I am just really wondering where they got that picture. More things to research... but that's okay; I like researching.