ABSTRACT
Americans were interacting with Korea and Koreans in the fields of religion, education, and medicine, and their mark is still visible, more than one hundred years ago. Today, South Korea is a democracy, yet while institutions are democratic, personalities often remain authoritarian. Close cooperation between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States, including preparations that extend into the security realm, is essential. Some Americans have advocated an immediate reduction or removal of US military forces from Korea, or even from East Asia generally. The firmness of the American commitment to South Korean security is a vital element in any peace settlement or other steps toward peninsula stability. Peace and development on the Korean peninsula are in the hands of North and South Korea. After reunification, the issue of the US Korean alliance can be reconsidered, depending upon circumstances. Under the conditions now prevailing on the Korean peninsula, all policies must be subject to reconsideration when changing circumstances warrant it.
