Let's Discuss the Tension

In response to my post asking you for questions, my Uncle John W. asked:

2. Are there running jokes about Kim Jong Un in S. Korea (like where the onion.com named him the worlds sexiest man), or does the fact that he's 100 miles north with nuclear weapons deter the "joke factor"?

I thought that this question led to a good opportunity to discuss my observations on South Korean attitudes to North Korean antics.  

The short answer is that no, Kim Jung Un is not a running joke, but I don't think this is because he has nuclear weapons.  I think it's just because South Koreans do not care about him.  It's very very possible that he is joked about but I just don't hear it because I don't speak Korean.  Certainly I have heard jokes related to North Korea.  There was the one time that a teacher told a coworker that he looked like Kim Jong Il.  And another time when I was asking students where I should visit in Korea one prankster suggested Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.  So it's not as if North Korea jokes are off limits, I think they just aren't told to me very often.  

Last week North Korea launched a missile and the news articles I read seemed to indicate that America was freaking out a little bit.  Let me tell you the overall attitude that I perceived in small town Korea.

Indifference.  Nothing.  No reaction.

Honestly.  A missile is launched into their backyard and no one even cares.  I discussed the issue with my favorite coteacher, Mr. Geul, and he said that basically because North Korea is constantly threatening South Korea and the world, the entire thing becomes a "boy who cried wolf" situation.  No one takes it seriously and no one thinks for a second that they can't defeat North Korea if the opportunity arises.  

This is not to say that South Korea is not prepared.  Every single man in South Korea must serve in the military for two years.  All of them.  Including sports stars and movie stars.  And after the men have completed their military service, they must continue to do yearly military trainings for another 5 years.  And after those 5 years are completed they have to continue to do other trainings that somehow protect the country but don't involve shooting a gun.  Not sure how long those go on for or what they entail but I know Mr. Geul has to do them.  

It is interesting to note that because every single man serves in the military, it's a topic that is brought up in Korean dramas.  Because it's just a fact of life here.  I always find that fascinating.  

In conclusion, no, they do not seem to joke about Kim Jong Un, yes they sometimes joke about North Korea in general, and overall they just don't care about it.  But if anything happens they're ready.  No need to worry about my safety.