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Young S. Korean men willing to fight against N. Korea

August 24, 2015
A group of conscripts salutes during a ceremony at a boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, Monday to mark the camp's reception of recruits at a time when tensions between the Koreas have risen dramatically following the North's launch of a landmine attack and firing of artillery shells across the border. (Yonhap)

A group of conscripts salutes during a ceremony at a boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, Monday to mark the camp’s reception of recruits at a time when tensions between the Koreas have risen dramatically following the North’s launch of a landmine attack and firing of artillery shells across the border. (Yonhap), north korea,

By Chung Ah-young

South Korean men in their 20s and 30s are expressing a willingness to fight against the North amid heightened tension along the border.

Reservists have been posting messages and photos of their military uniforms on social network service (SNS) accounts to show their “combat readiness.”

Since National Defense Minister Han Min-koo’s speech detailing a stern response to the North’s provocations was posted on the ministry’s Facebook page on Aug. 21, more than 1,500 comments have been posted in support of the government.

Internet users also posted related messages on their own SNS accounts and online communities.

“I took out my military uniform. Go reservists! I will fight to protect my family rather than my country,” a man posted the message and a photo of himself on his Instagram.

“I am ready to be mobilized. I will protect my country,” another man said.

“We stand by in case of war. We are resolute to fight against the North in order for them not to attack us again. We are here in case of mobilization order,” a Facebook user said.

A woman also posted a photo of her husband’s military uniform and said, “I am ready to send my husband to the combat zone if the war really occurs.”

Another woman, whose son is serving in the military, said, “Don’t be afraid, son. Fight against the North to make sure that they will not be able to attack us.” The message has been shared by many SNS users, garnering support from people.

Also, some 50 soldiers, who are close to finishing their obligatory military service, have asked the authorities to postpone their discharge until the situation is resolved, according to the ministry.

The ministry said it is rare for soldiers to extend their military service due to a military standoff as they are taking a huge risk.

Many young men share the view that South Koreans should not tolerate military provocations from the North any more, ministry officials said.

Young people are running out of patience with the North’s repeated military provocations, they said.

Also the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s “reign of terror” has made young South Koreans hostile toward the reclusive regime.

According to the latest survey conducted by local media, eight out of 10 young people in their 20s and 30s answered that the North is responsible for the ongoing tension and the South’s military reaction is needed.