South Koreans unperturbed as North’s deadline of attack lapses

 The public sentiment in the South Korean capital, Seoul on Saturday over the North Korea’s attack threat tilted towards a stern military reaction from their country, should their neighbours launched any military attack after the expiration of Saturday’s 5pm deadline.  As at the expiration of the deadline, Daily Trust observed that markets, bus and subway […]

 The public sentiment in the South Korean capital, Seoul on Saturday over the North Korea’s attack threat tilted towards a stern military reaction from their country, should their neighbours launched any military attack after the expiration of Saturday’s 5pm deadline. 

As at the expiration of the deadline, Daily Trust observed that markets, bus and subway stations as well as other public places remained as busy as always, with people seen going their normal businesses, despite the looming tension of an imminent attack by the Northern neighbours. 

On Friday, North Korea demanded Seoul to stop its anti-communist loudspeaker campaign at the two countries border, following South’s artillery retaliation attack a day earlier, which further put the rusty relationship between the two Koreas on the brink of war. 

But some residents, who spoke to Daily Trust preferred their country to continue with its campaign, as they have hopes of victory over their neighbours in the event of any war. 

“Actually, I am so curious to see what North Korea will do at the end of the deadline. To me, I don’t want us to stop, because that will mean we are afraid of them and that will make them continue to feel that whatever they said, we would respect it,” a Kookmin university student, Won ho Yean told Daily Trust. 

Asked whether he was not afraid of the likely action by the North Korea, he said “We are accustomed to this. This is not the first time North will give us such orders. Although this time the tension is different, but as you can see, nobody cares, everything is going on.”

A high school student, 18-year old Nah yun Lee also said she was aware of the deadline, but that won’t make her stay indoors. “I know what’s happening. Today, 5pm? Yes, I know what’s happening. If I have anything to do outside, I must come out. We Koreans are used to this,” she said when asked whether she was aware of the situation in Korea.

 Another Seoul resident, 45, who simply identified himself as Mr Lee said “It’s unwise to stop the loudspeaker broadcasting. We should continue to put pressure on North Korea instead of pulling back after the attack.” 

On the other hand, the headquarters of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which is currently hosting many internationals, including the 16-member Nigerian delegation, assured its guests of their safety in the event of any attack by the North Korea.

 KOICA said in an e-mail to all the participants that with “regards to the recent rocket provocations by North Korea, KOICA will prioritize the security of the participants and we hope that you will not be anxious. The KOICA’s Contingency Plan will be employed and the necessary measures will be practiced.”