STEVE PIECZENIK TALKS

Notes from Seoul Man April 4 2013

I flew to Seoul South Korea a few days ago.  I had a feeling that the psychological warfare between the USG, NK and SK is highly contrived and spinning out of control.  We have the usual cast of characters in this dangerous disingenuous drama: POTUS, Sec of State Kerry, ex U.S. generals and media hyenas like Wolf Blitzer who are hyping up the tension and pounding the war drums for a conflict that is NOT imminent.

I do see SK troop movements but when I talk to these "kids" they are sweet, fun loving and inexperienced.  I went to the DMZ which is very quiet and filled with souvenir shops- very cool stuff actually- lots of items that "make fun" of the USG and the military.

As I talk to the SK citizens, they all tell me they know that Kim Jong Un is a spoiled, rich kid raised in Swiss boarding schools.  He is the "face" for an ineffective, incapable NK army controlled by the PRC.  The NK soldiers that I interviewed on the border think that the USG is a joke the way it creates a climate of fear and warmongering.

I have been in these countries before and have lots of experience working psychological war games with both SK and NK.  I know the mind of Kim Jong Un and that of his father Kim Jong Il.  The father was serious, strong and ruthless,  he knew how to play our inept INTEL community.  I was in South Korea as it transitioned from a military leadership to civilian political system.  I spent a lot of time with Kim Dae Jung and Kim Young-sam both former presidents of SK.  This time, I came on my own, self funding and without partners.  No one wanted to learn from my past experiences so I will write what I see and try to counteract this foolish saber rattling.  Weren't we here before?  Under my favorite president, Dwight Eisenhower?  I will try to give you some history along with my current observations.  Will post again tomorrow.