Historic Peace Summit Strikes Korean-Americans Close To Home

Reactions ranged from exhilaration to trepidation this week, as Queens Korean leaders responded to the first meeting between South and North Korea leaders in more than half a century. The summit between North Korean President Kim Jong-Il and South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, was the first, in what will undoubtedly be a lengthy series of negotiations, as the long embattled Asian leaders vie for a peace accord that could one day unify the bitterly divided peninsula.
According to the 1990 census, Queens county boasts over 50,000 Korean-American citizens, many of whom feel skeptical about the tentative peace agreement.
Joe Min, head of the Bayside YMCA believes North Korea, whose impoverished and militarized communist dictatorship has become economically desperate in recent years had no choice but come to an agreement with its bitter rival. "Without this, North Korea would have gone down the drain," said Min. "It was a do or die process. But, you never know. Maybe North Korea really is changing."
Min, a 40-year old naturalized U.S. citizen, whose family comes from Korea said his generation doesnt necessarily relate with the turmoil that escalated 50 years ago when North Korea attacked its southern neighbors and initiated the Korean War. "The excitement is gone," added Min with ambivalence. "It leaves me a real dull feeling, and doesnt affect me."
Clinton officials took a more optimistic approach, saying the president would soon lift a broad set of economic sanctions, in place since 1950. The agreement will allow North Korea to export much-needed raw materials and goods to the U.S., while at the same allowing American companies the opportunity to invest in northern agriculture, travel, and mining.
Flushing YMCA Board of Managers President John Ryu, who called the meeting an "historic development that touched everyone," said the sudden attempt at reconciliation leaves many Koreans with an identity crisis. "Most of us (South Koreans) were educated to believe North Korea is the enemy," said Ryu, a Korean native who now resides in Flushing. "Its a positive step, but I think we have to step back and review the subject as a whole."
Ryu said back in his homeland, many have expressed to him a newfound excitement to participate in the countrys economic and cultural development. "No matter where you are from, this is a great opportunity," said Ryu, who pulls double duty as President of Pacific-Sun Asset Management Company. "Now, there is an entire country to visit. Practically and emotionally, this affects everyone."
Last weeks historic meeting struck a set of emotions within the heart of David Copell that he thought was long since buried. A Korean War veteran from March to December 1951, Copell has long since come to terms with the torturous combat that left many members of his 24th infantry massacred on the battlefields.
"The two governments should take a long time to resolve the peace treaty," said Copell. "But first, I feel its time for the families to finally come together."
Re-unifying 50 years after the dawn of the Korean War, Copell will join with the "Korean War Veteran Memorial Inc."on June 25 at 11 a.m. in Kissena Park in Flushing to commemorate the occasion. The ceremony will be attended by City Councilwoman Julia Harrison, and Assemblymembers Brian McLaughlin and Ann Margaret Corrozza.